Business

Salesforce CEO Reverses Trump Support Following Internal Backlash and Board Resignation

Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff has walked back his praise for Donald Trump and support for deploying National Guard troops in San Francisco. The reversal comes after significant internal backlash, including the resignation of prominent venture capitalist Ron Conway from the company’s philanthropic board.

Executive Backtrack Follows Widespread Criticism

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has publicly reversed his position on former President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy military forces to San Francisco, according to reports. The tech executive, who previously expressed strong support for Trump and his crime reduction strategies, now states he no longer believes National Guard soldiers are “needed to address safety” in the city.

PolicyTrade

US-China Trade Officials to Hold Critical Talks Amid Rare Earth Export Dispute

High-stakes trade negotiations between US and Chinese officials are set for next week as export controls on rare earth minerals escalate tensions. The outcome could determine whether President Trump and Xi Jinping proceed with their planned summit in South Korea amid threatened tariff increases.

Escalating Trade Tensions Prompt High-Level Meeting

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng next week in Malaysia, according to reports, in what analysts suggest could be a decisive moment for US-China trade relations. The meeting follows a significant escalation in tensions after China announced sweeping export controls on rare earths and critical minerals that sources indicate will severely impact global supply chains.

EntertainmentMedia

TV Industry Faces Critical Disconnect Between Audience Demand for Diverse Stories and Writer Advancement Barriers

A comprehensive new study reveals television audiences strongly prefer diverse, authentic storytelling while writers from underrepresented communities face significant systemic barriers. The 2025 report indicates this disconnect represents both a creative challenge and business opportunity for the industry.

Audience Demand for Authentic Storytelling Reaches New Heights

According to reports from the Think Tank for Inclusion & Equity (TTIE), television audiences are increasingly seeking authentic, multicultural content that reflects diverse American experiences. The organization’s fifth annual “Behind the Scenes: The State of Inclusion & Equity in TV Writing” report, conducted in partnership with Horowitz Research, surveyed nearly 700 professional TV writers and analyzed consumer preferences.