President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders today designed to speed U.S. progress on quantum computing research, prepare federal agencies to use emerging quantum technologies, and strengthen protections against cyberattacks that might be enabled by quantum advances.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the orders are intended to boost the United States "as the world leader in this very important emerging field." He added, "We’re already the leader by a lot, and we’re going to be now the leader by a lot more." The event included the presence of Alphabet Inc. President Ruth Porat and International Business Machines Corp. Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna. IBM shares rose 2.4% in after-hours trading following the announcement.
The first executive order initiates a government-led effort to build a quantum computer capable of performing consequential scientific calculations. White House officials expressed the view that such a machine could be produced by 2028. That same order instructs federal agencies to prepare plans to roll out quantum-enabled sensors and networks within a five-year window and encourages coordination with allied nations to protect quantum-related intellectual property and to reinforce supply chain resilience.
A second order focuses on cyber defenses, directing expedited adoption of algorithms designed to resist attacks from quantum-capable computers. The migration to these standards - commonly referred to as post-quantum cryptography - has a deadline of 2031 for high-value assets at federal agencies, according to the directive.
Officials noted that quantum technologies largely remain theoretical and unproven at scale today, but they flagged the potential future capability of quantum systems to undermine standard encryption methods that protect information such as bank payments. The orders therefore couple research and deployment goals with steps to protect sensitive data and to coordinate internationally on intellectual property and supply chain matters.
Context and implications
These executive actions create a timeline for near-term milestones: a targeted development window for a practical quantum computer by 2028, sensor and network deployment planning over five years, and agency-level migration to post-quantum cryptographic standards for critical assets by 2031. The directives explicitly link technological progress with defensive measures to address potential cyber risks tied to quantum advances.
The administration framed the moves as intended to secure U.S. leadership in quantum research while also preparing government systems for the risks posed by future quantum capabilities.