In a recent White House press briefing, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan avoided addressing a reporter's question regarding San Francisco's efforts to clean up homeless encampments ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The reporter pointed out that even California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the cleanup was due to the upcoming summit. However, Sullivan refused to respond directly.

Sullivan emphasized President Biden's pride in the United States hosting the APEC summit and highlighted achievements such as the country's strong economic record, lowest unemployment rates in half a century, and investments in innovation and infrastructure. Notably, Sullivan made no mention of the removal of homeless encampments.

Local Fox affiliate KTVU reported the noticeable improvement in street cleanliness in San Francisco due to the cleanup efforts. Major thoroughfares have experienced far fewer homeless encampments. The city's Superintendent of Street Environmental Services, Christopher McDaniels, expressed concern about historical encampments near priority areas.

According to emails obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, Deputy Director of Operations DiJaida Durden stressed the importance of managing the growing encampments and asked for a plan. The Chronicle also highlighted that the areas flagged by Durden have become tent-free just days before the APEC summit.

The White House's dismissal of the reporter's question has sparked speculation about the prioritization of impressing Chinese President Xi Jinping over addressing issues faced by the American people in San Francisco. The city's efforts to clean up the streets for the summit have drawn attention to the ongoing homeless crisis.

As the APEC summit approaches, San Francisco finds itself under scrutiny for its treatment of the homeless population. The situation raises questions about the balance between showcasing the city's cleanliness for international visitors and addressing the pressing needs of its own residents.

This article includes contributions from Fox News' Peter Aiken and is based on the information available at the time of writing.