This was probably true for a bit after 9/11, but I can’t say I personally know anyone who currently feels safer flying on planes because of the TSA. Pretty much everyone I’ve spoken to in person regarding this knows the TSA is a joke.

Realistically it’s now a government jobs program that is basically immune from ever being terminated because many politician benefits from having this program operate in their district/state/etc providing jobs that they do not want to lose.

You seem to be under the impression that they care about your safety. Rookie mistake. They care about the security of the airplane, not you.