25 Years After 9/11: How The TSA Has Evolved

Published Sep 11, 2026, 11:39 AM EDT Louis is a military historian and the staff writer for History of War magazine, a leading military history monthly. He also has an interest in private and commercial aviation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is among those commemorating a quarter-century since September 11, 2001. On this day 25 years ago, almost 3,000 lives were lost in the worst terror attack in US history. It is due to these attacks that the TSA exists. President George W. Bush created it through the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (November 19, 2001), moving control of airport security from private firms into public hands. The TSA says that it has evolved greatly over the last 25 years to become an advanced security agency. It now makes use of cutting-edge facial comparison technology, along with artificial intelligence. However, it has always had the same goal: ensuring that people and commerce can move freely and safely. The TSA continues to carry out its work through screening and managing security within airports. Horizon 25: The Most Recent Evolution With oversight from President Donald Trump and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, the TSA has launched its most recent advancement: Horizon 25. Mullin has said the strategy aims to make the agency "agile, resilient and ready." Horizon 25 seeks to modernize through public-private partnerships, using a new Screening Partnerships Program. Horizon 25 also captures the latest technology within the TSA's capabilities. Examples include computed tomography, advanced imaging technology, credential authentication technology, and facial comparison technology. The agency has also deployed TSA PreCheck. It allows registered, trusted passengers to access dedicated fast lanes so that the agency can be more focused. TSA Administrator David P. Cummins said: “For 25 years, the men and women of TSA have carried out this mission with vigilance, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the American people. As we remember those we lost on September 11 and honor the service that followed, we also look ahead. The threats we face today are sophisticated and constantly evolving." Where The TSA Has Come From The TSA is now a highly sophisticated and intelligence-driven security agency. However, it started as a newly formed federal screening workforce in 2001, created at pace by Bush in response to the 9/11 terror attacks. It was initially overseen by the Department of Transportation. Since 2003, it has been led by the Department of Homeland Security. Before its creation, countless private security companies managed US airport security, leading to dangerous inconsistencies. The new agency had to hire screeners on a scale not seen since the enlistment of recruits for the Second World War. 1.7 million applicants applied for 55,000 positions. The TSA now handles the vast majority of airport screening in the US. It also performs extra duties at airports, such as controlling entry and exit points. Still, some US airports continue to handle security privately. Examples include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Kansas City International Airport (MCI), and Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). However, the TSA still sets the rules and provides equipment for such security arrangements. The TSA Showed Its Capabilities When The World Cup Came To America The transformation the TSA has achieved since its formation 25 years ago was clear this year as it handled an enormous workload during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 78 of the 104 matches took place in the US, forcing the nation's transportation infrastructure to handle millions more people from around the world. During the World Cup, the TSA's technology and strategies were tested on an unprecedented scale. This included TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, advanced on-person scanners that reduced false alarms and unnecessary pat-downs, and AI-driven computed tomography. The TSA also looked to more traditional security methodologies. It deployed hundreds of additional canine teams to screen passengers, baggage, and cargo. On top of its internal strategies, the TSA also helped to deliver a safe FIFA World Cup through its work with other partners. This included federal, state, and local agencies along with the wider aviation and transport industry.