The White House Speaks on Jay-Z’s "Open Letter" Lyrics

So after the uproar surrounding Jay-Z and Beyonce‘s recent trip to Cuba, Hov decided to vent a little bit by releasing “Open Letter.” And boy does word travel fast, as reporters have already questioned The White House regarding the lyrics from the straight-forward piece. When questioned, the Press Secretary assured that President Obama and his administration did not approve of Jay and Bey’s visit to Cuba, mainly because that is the Treasury’s department. You can see and hear the conversation via the visual above, which notes a reporter quoting part of the track and then a follow-up response. Jay-Z’s reach seemingly has no bounds, huh?

Reporter: Jay-Z released a rap today, I know that the other day you said that the treasury was the one that cleared their trip, [Jay-Z] suggested that he got White House clearance and that he spoke with the president, I’ll just quote…
I done turned Havana to Atlanta…
Obama said chill, you gonna get me impeached.
But you don’t need this shit anyway,
Chill with me on the beach.

Press Secretary: I guess nothing rhymes with Treasury. Because Treasury offers and gives licenses for travel as you know, and the White House has nothing to do with it.

Reporter: Are you saying that he did have a conversation with Jay-Z?

Press Secretary: I am absolutely saying that the White House and the President on down had nothing to do with anybody’s personal, anybody’s travel to Cuba. That is something that the Treasury handles…
It’s a song, Donavan. The president did not communicate with Jay-Z over this trip.