The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is facing renewed scrutiny after a newly surfaced Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report warned of serious vulnerabilities in airport screening and raised concerns tied to the agency’s shoes-on policy. According to CBS News, the DHS Office of Inspector General completed a classified audit in late 2025 that identified weaknesses during covert testing at airport checkpoints, including at least one issue linked to the decision to allow most passengers to keep their shoes on during screening.
The report, finalized on November 1, 2025, remained largely restricted within the department, with limited distribution to a small group of officials and lawmakers. CBS News reported that the findings did not receive a required formal response from TSA within the standard 90-day window, leaving key recommendations unresolved months after the audit’s completion.
Watchdog Audit Links Checkpoint Vulnerabilities To Shoes-On Screening Policy
The DHS inspector general’s audit focused on the effectiveness of TSA screening procedures, using covert testing methods to evaluate whether officers and technology could detect prohibited items. Auditors identified multiple vulnerabilities during these tests and specifically flagged concerns about the policy allowing travelers to keep their shoes on. The change, announced by DHS in July 2025, marked a shift from nearly two decades of standard practice requiring most passengers to remove footwear at security checkpoints.
The original rule dates back to 2006, following the attempted shoe bombing by Richard Reid, which led to stricter screening requirements across U.S. airports. Reuters reported that DHS justified the 2025 policy change by citing advances in screening technology and layered security measures that allow officers to detect threats without requiring passengers to remove their shoes in most cases.
However, the inspector general’s audit questioned whether those capabilities were fully sufficient at the time of implementation. Per CBS News, Inspector General Joseph Cuffari later told TSA leadership that his office had not received evidence confirming that all recommended fixes had been implemented, despite earlier statements suggesting progress.
Restricted Report Distribution And Delayed Response Draw Oversight Concerns
Beyond the findings themselves, the handling of the audit has become a central issue. At least one key finding was classified at a high level, limiting distribution to a small number of individuals across government. According to correspondence reviewed by CBS News, broader access to the report required approval from DHS leadership, and auditors said they were unable to directly share certain findings with TSA officials responsible for implementing changes.
The inspector general’s office also said it did not receive a formal management decision from TSA within the required timeframe, which is typically used to outline whether the agency agrees with the findings and how it plans to address them. The lack of a formal response has kept the audit’s recommendations open, according to CBS News, and has drawn attention from lawmakers responsible for overseeing DHS operations.
