Trump signs executive orders to build quantum computer by 2028 and harden US cyber defences
President Trump signed two executive orders Monday, aiming to deliver a research-grade quantum computer by 2028 and to migrate government systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2031, sharpening the technology contest with China.
A national quantum push
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday afternoon, launching a concerted federal effort to speed up quantum computing development and to protect government networks from the cryptographic threats that mature quantum machines pose. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, told reporters that the administration believes a scientifically relevant quantum computer can be built by 2028.
The first executive order launches a national effort to produce a quantum computer capable of performing important scientific calculations, and to develop quantum-enabled sensors and networks in the next five years.
The order directs the Department of Energy to take the lead on building the machine, which is intended to serve as a foundation for private-sector innovation. Several agencies – including NASA – are required to draft five-year plans for deploying quantum-enabled sensors and communication networks.
Securing the digital backbone
A second executive order, titled "Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks," instructs federal agencies to transition their most critical systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2031. Energy providers and water utilities receive priority for hardening under the plan. Sean Cairncross, the U.S. National Cyber Director, noted at the signing ceremony that quantum progress will undermine traditional encryption.
As we move forward, innovation and security have to be balanced.
The measures build on years of preparatory work. Large tech firms such as Apple and Google have already begun rolling out encryption schemes designed to resist quantum attacks, anticipating the day when powerful quantum computers could crack today's public-key infrastructure.
Money and milestones
Last month the Commerce Department committed $2.013 billion in CHIPS Act funding across nine quantum-computing companies, with IBM slated to receive $1 billion for a new quantum foundry subsidiary and GlobalFoundries $375 million. The moves revive momentum after funding from the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act lapsed. In January a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress that would authorise $128 million annually for quantum research.
- National Quantum Initiative Act signed into law, funding quantum R&D.
- Bipartisan bill introduced in Congress proposing $128 million per year for quantum research.
- Commerce Department announces $2.013 billion in CHIPS Act funding to nine quantum firms.
- President Trump signs two executive orders accelerating quantum development and hardening cybersecurity.
- Target for Energy Department to deliver a research-grade quantum computer.
- Deadline for federal agencies to complete migration to post-quantum cryptography.
Geopolitical calculus
Administration officials framed the orders as a response to strategic competitors. Kratsios said the package includes measures to strengthen international cooperation on intellectual property protections and supply-chain security "in light of competitors and adversaries looking to undermine US economic and national security." China is widely seen as the primary rival in the quantum race, which could unlock breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, materials science, and chemistry.
