I have had TSA ask me to power up my laptop and tablet but never a portable HD nor a flash drive. I never go beyond the login screen to prevent some TSO from going on a power trip and deciding they had the authority to search my HD like the CBP used to be able to do.

You should be fine but if they do, stand up for yourself. If you have to walk away and ship then from NYC to LA via USPS flat rate. It has tracking.