U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders focused on quantum technology this Monday, aiming to accelerate quantum science research, promote the adoption of the technology by federal agencies, and strengthen the nation’s defenses against future cyberattacks. Trump stated at a signing ceremony at the White House that these measures will consolidate the United States’ global leadership position in this emerging vertical field.
Under the first executive order, the U.S. government will launch a dedicated program with the goal of producing a quantum computer capable of performing important scientific calculations by 2028. White House officials confirmed this timeline during a briefing prior to the signing. The order also requires all federal agencies to formulate specific plans for deploying quantum-capable sensors and networks within the next five years, and emphasizes the need to strengthen collaboration with allies to protect quantum intellectual property and solidify supply chain security.
The second executive order focuses on cybersecurity, aiming to accelerate the deployment of new algorithms capable of resisting quantum computing attacks. The order requires agencies to migrate high-value assets to “post-quantum cryptography” standards by 2031. Currently, quantum technology remains largely theoretical and has not yet been implemented on a large scale, but its potential computing power is sufficient to break existing widely used standard encryption systems, which protect a large amount of sensitive information, including bank payments.
Senior White House officials did not disclose the names of specific partner companies, but the executive order explicitly requires the government to establish partnerships with domestic industry players, a move expected to broadly benefit the quantum industry. On the funding front, the Trump administration has already demonstrated a proactive supportive stance. In May of this year, the Department of Commerce announced it would provide more than $2 billion in funding in exchange for non-controlling equity stakes in a number of quantum computing companies, with IBM (IBM) receiving $1 billion, GlobalFoundries (GFS) receiving $375 million, and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS), Rigetti Computing (RGTI), and Infleqtion (INFQ) each receiving approximately $100 million in support.
The order designates the Department of Energy to set technical specifications for quantum computers used for research purposes and anticipates that equipment will be delivered to national laboratories or subordinate facilities. At the same time, the order requires the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Energy, to deploy quantum sensors and networks, a measure that will directly drive market demand for related products. Agencies may utilize existing funds, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, to advance technology adoption and machine construction. In addition, the executive order includes initiatives to protect the quantum industry from espionage activities and to expand the pool of professional talent through apprenticeships and other means.
