“I think it's clear that the designs that McCall is purveying are plainly protected political speech," said Levy.

Law Professor Tim Zick, at the College of William and Mary, says free speech is fundamental to democracy. He spoke to VOA via Skype.

“We have a First Amendment [to the Constitution] that protects freedom of speech, and it has been long interpreted to protect criticism of government. Again, at its core, is the belief that citizens are better off in a self-governing society being able to discuss matters of public import among themselves," said Zick.

The CIA is also a target of criticism.

And every president has been mocked, according to Professor Zick.

George W. Bush was called stupid.

President Obama’s critics say he's a liar.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency declined to be interviewed for this story or to otherwise comment.

The matter has been referred to a federal court.