I mean, I read news articles that say the TSA fail to actually catch prohibited items like weapons or drugs most of the time… so what’s the point? Many people are calling this “Security Theater”… Does this “Security Theater” actually scare away a would-be terrorist?
Three are IATA security minimums and the USA isn’t that far out of line compared to other countries; the biggest difference being the restriction on liquids and taking out electronics for non TSA Pre passengers. Terrorists could still attack the airport, but the flights are considered to be safer.
You also have other things that TSA or their local equivalent are looking for, including various forms of smuggling.