President Donald Trump was initially prepared to deploy federal forces in San Francisco, a city he frequently criticizes as emblematic of flawed liberal policies. However, discussions with key figures in the tech industry and the city’s mayor led him to reconsider.

On Thursday, Trump spoke to reporters at the White House, sharing that he had a productive conversation with influential tech leaders, including Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce. Trump described them as “incredible people” and noted their assurance that San Francisco is actively addressing its crime issues.

“I received a call from some remarkable individuals, friends who are highly successful,” Trump said, emphasizing their efforts. “We’re holding off on that federal intervention to give them a chance to improve the situation,” he added.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has often clashed with Trump, particularly following the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles against Newsom’s objections.

Despite Trump’s promise to pause federal action, some remain doubtful about his commitment. Trump mentioned he was offering Mayor London Breed an opportunity to rectify the city’s challenges but warned that the federal government could swiftly remove criminals if necessary.

San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan expressed her skepticism, stating, “We cannot trust Trump.” Although she often holds progressive views that differ from Mayor Breed’s, Chan maintains a cooperative relationship with the mayor.

San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder, who is also more politically liberal than Lurie, said in a statement that she disagrees with Lurie’s desire to coordinate more with federal law enforcement, saying that “is a dangerous invitation to a fascist administration.”

Trump said he received “four or five calls” from business leaders urging him not to send federal force and to let city leaders continue to work on reducing crime.

“They’re the biggest people in the world, a lot of the high tech,” he said at the White House. “They want to do it. And I said, ‘I am so honored to let you do it. And if it doesn’t work out, we’ll do it for you very quickly.’”

Benioff of Salesforce, who also owns Time magazine, told the New York Times earlier this month that he’d welcome Guard troops to help quell crime ahead of his major annual business conference.

He quickly face backlash and then apologized, saying the troops weren’t needed. He confirmed to The Associated Press that he spoke to Trump but did not provide more details. Nvidia declined to comment.

In announcing his decision to back off a surge, Trump did not mention other cities in the Bay Area, including Oakland, where he has also threatened to send in federal troops.

Some other Democrats who have also taken a less combative approach to Trump have avoided his focus as he deploys Guard troops around the country.

He has not, for example, focused on Detroit despite criticism of the city. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has tried to engage with Trump including with White House visits.