The hyperspeed news cycle is so amazing on days like this. Just a few hours ago, we brought you that Hot97 x LifeAndTimes exclusive...the Jay-Z x Timbaland x Swizz Beats song called “Open Letter.” Jay-Z vents on the record about the media scrutiny over his trip to Communist Cuba, over his Brooklyn Nets divestment, and his many mainstream business moves.

And now we have an official White House response! A hilariously awkward one at that.

Politico reporter Donovan Slack really reached during the daily White House press conference when she tried to insinuate that Jay-Z’s “Open Letter” lyrics exposed a White House cover-up…and Obama’s Press Secretary Jay Carney shut her down quite politely…

Watch the video of their exchange at the White House today…
After the jump!

(spotted via RealTalkNY)

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.

Related:
Jay-Z Pens “Open Letter” To Critics (Prod. by Swizz Beats and Timbaland)
Jay-Z to Reportedly Sell Shares in Brooklyn Nets to Become an NBA Agent
Your Morning Viral: Jay-Z and Beyonce Roam the Streets of Havana, Cuba