Trump signs orders to accelerate US Quantum Computing, Cryptography

United States President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday to push to build a quantum computer and to focus on creating cryptography that can resist quantum attacks.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the first order launches a national effort to develop a quantum computer capable of performing important scientific calculations. It also seeks to advance quantum-enabled sensors and networks within the next five years. The second order directs federal agencies to transition to quantum cryptography by 2031. The administration said the move will strengthen cybersecurity and encourage wider adoption of advanced security standards.

“The advent of large-scale quantum computers, particularly in the hands of adversaries, will pose a significant threat to widely used cryptographic security systems,” the order states.

The orders aim to take a “cohesive, whole-of-government approach” to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of quantum computing and “protect sensitive technologies and work with allies to ensure adversaries cannot use QIST [Quantum Information Science and Technology] to undermine national security.”

Trump’s orders state that within 180 days, relevant agencies must update the National Quantum Strategy to support commercialisation and industry partnerships. Various agencies are also tasked with identifying implications of increasing scale and performance of commercial quantum computers, “such as the implications for the migration to post-quantum cryptography.”

The order also establishes Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS), a national effort to pursue the development of a quantum computer at a scale intended to “initiate the era of quantum-enabled scientific discovery.”

The other executive order aims to secure the US against quantum-assisted cryptographic attacks and is more focused on upgrading to post-quantum cryptography. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget and the National Cyber Director to lead an accelerated, nationwide migration to post-quantum cryptography, ensuring the nation’s data stays secure.

Last month, the Commerce Department announced it would take $2 billion in equity stakes across nine quantum-computing companies, including a new IBM venture.