Trump signs orders calling for powerful quantum computer, targeting 2028
Trump signs orders to accelerate US quantum computing, secure government systems with post-quantum cryptography by 2030-31, and deploy Pentagon quantum sensors by 2028
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US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a push to build a powerful quantum computer for scientific research and speed efforts to protect government systems from related cyber threats, bolstering US efforts in its race with China for a technology that could upend science and cybersecurity.
"We believe this can happen by 2028," Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said in a call previewing the moves and referring to the quantum computer.
Quantum computers use the laws of quantum physics to process information in ways that can solve certain complex problems far faster than even today's supercomputers. They could unscramble the encryption that protects computers from hacking, raising fears of aggressive cyberattacks.
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The orders underscore the importance the Trump administration places on securing US leadership in the quantum race against China, which could fuel advances in artificial intelligence, materials science and chemistry while also protecting against the cybersecurity threats posed by the technology.
The order also calls for the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028. Such sensors can help aircraft navigate in war zones where global positioning systems have been disrupted and, when put in satellites, could also be used to detect underground activity such as the construction of tunnels or missile silos from space.
“There’s lots of interesting things quantum sensing can bring before quantum computing," said Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, who attended the signing of the order in the Oval Office. "It's possible to meet these types of timelines.”
Last month, the Commerce Department announced it would take $2 billion in equity stakes across nine quantum-computing companies, including a new IBM venture.
One of the orders also aims to strengthen international cooperation on intellectual property protections and supply chain security measures "in light of competitors and adversaries looking to undermine US economic and national security", Kratsios said.
Another measure included in the package instructs agencies to develop plans for deploying quantum-enabled sensors and networks in the next five years.
"We believe this can happen by 2028," Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said in a call previewing the moves and referring to the quantum computer.
Investing in American quantum leadership like never before.
President Trump signs executive orders on quantum, supercharging a national effort in innovation in quantum technologies, ensuring national security and continuing American growth in a critical industry. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/cQmdCs0s4N
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 22, 2026
Trump signed two executive orders, one of which seeks to protect government computers against quantum computer-fuelled cyberattacks by setting a goal of migrating key government computing systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2030 or 2031.
Quantum computers use the laws of quantum physics to process information in ways that can solve certain complex problems far faster than even today's supercomputers. They could unscramble the encryption that protects computers from hacking, raising fears of aggressive cyberattacks.
Read More: USFDA appeal for critical cancer drugs puts these Indian Pharma shares in focus
The orders underscore the importance the Trump administration places on securing US leadership in the quantum race against China, which could fuel advances in artificial intelligence, materials science and chemistry while also protecting against the cybersecurity threats posed by the technology.
Quantum Mode: Activated. https://t.co/79PfmuXfzI pic.twitter.com/jUju80dX2q
— U.S. Department of Energy (@ENERGY) June 22, 2026
The order also calls for the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028. Such sensors can help aircraft navigate in war zones where global positioning systems have been disrupted and, when put in satellites, could also be used to detect underground activity such as the construction of tunnels or missile silos from space.
“There’s lots of interesting things quantum sensing can bring before quantum computing," said Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, who attended the signing of the order in the Oval Office. "It's possible to meet these types of timelines.”
Last month, the Commerce Department announced it would take $2 billion in equity stakes across nine quantum-computing companies, including a new IBM venture.
One of the orders also aims to strengthen international cooperation on intellectual property protections and supply chain security measures "in light of competitors and adversaries looking to undermine US economic and national security", Kratsios said.
Another measure included in the package instructs agencies to develop plans for deploying quantum-enabled sensors and networks in the next five years.
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