TSA’s ‘Shoes On’ Policy Linked to Security Risks: Watchdog Report

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is under renewed scrutiny following the emergence of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) watchdog report. This audit, completed in late 2025, reportedly identified significant vulnerabilities in airport screening processes, with at least one issue linked to the TSA’s decision to allow most travelers to keep their shoes on during security checks.

Audit Reveals Checkpoint Weaknesses

The DHS Office of Inspector General conducted a classified audit using covert testing methods to assess the effectiveness of TSA screening. According to CBS News, these tests uncovered multiple weaknesses, specifically highlighting concerns related to the ‘shoes on’ policy. This policy change, implemented by DHS in July 2025, marked a departure from the standard practice of requiring passengers to remove footwear, a rule in place since 2006 following the Richard Reid shoe-bombing attempt.

DHS had justified the policy shift by pointing to advancements in screening technology and layered security measures. However, the inspector general’s audit reportedly questioned whether these capabilities were sufficiently robust at the time the policy was enacted. Inspector General Joseph Cuffari later informed TSA leadership that his office had not received adequate evidence confirming the implementation of all recommended fixes, despite prior assurances of progress.

Concerns Over Report Distribution and Response

Beyond the audit’s findings, the handling of the report itself has raised oversight concerns. At least one critical finding was classified at a high level, severely limiting its distribution to a select group of officials and lawmakers. Broader access reportedly required approval from DHS leadership, and auditors noted difficulties in directly sharing certain findings with the TSA officials responsible for making necessary changes.

Furthermore, the inspector general’s office stated it did not receive a formal management decision from the TSA within the standard 90-day window. This response is typically used to outline whether the agency agrees with the findings and its plan for addressing them. The lack of this formal response has left the audit’s recommendations unresolved, drawing attention from lawmakers tasked with overseeing DHS operations.

• A classified DHS watchdog report from late 2025 identified security vulnerabilities at TSA checkpoints.
• At least one issue was linked to the TSA’s ‘shoes on’ policy, implemented in July 2025.
• The audit questioned the sufficiency of screening technology without mandatory shoe removal.
• The report’s distribution was highly restricted, limiting access.
• TSA reportedly failed to provide a formal response to the audit’s recommendations within the required timeframe.

This situation underscores the ongoing debate about balancing security efficiency with thorough screening protocols in air travel. The unresolved recommendations from the audit leave questions about the current state of airport security effectiveness.