I also have come into the USA with large amounts of cash ! it usually takes less than 1 minute, what's the money for, where are you going have a nice day .
If the guy had answered the question in the first place there wouldn't be a story .
There's a BIG difference between you and him: He was NOT coming INTO the US -- he was already IN the US! While there are some restrictions about carrying over $10K INTO the US, there is NO such restriction on carrying cash WITHIN the US!
The TSA guys were totally out of line. I hope they all get fired AND prosecuted!