In a recent segment on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends,” Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, voiced strong opinions on the clean-up operations in San Francisco preceding the APEC trade summit, anticipated to be attended by China’s President Xi Jinping. Gallagher criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state politicians for what he perceives as their hypocrisy and neglect of San Francisco’s long-standing issues.
Gallagher highlighted the persistent problems faced by San Francisco residents, including widespread homelessness, open drug use, assaults, and unclean streets, which he attributed to flawed progressive policies. However, he noted a sudden change in the city’s approach to these issues with the imminent arrival of President Xi Jinping for the summit. Gallagher suggested that the swift clean-up efforts were a clear indication that state politicians, including Newsom, are more concerned with making a favorable impression on the Chinese leader than addressing the needs of their constituents.
According to Gallagher, this rapid transformation of San Francisco’s streets in preparation for the summit starkly contrasts with the long-term neglect of the city’s problems. He argued that such actions send a negative message, implying that the local politicians acknowledge the city’s embarrassing state but choose to act only when it serves their interests in the international arena. Gallagher’s comments reflect a critique of the priorities and governance of California’s political leaders, especially in the context of their response to international events like the APEC trade summit.