Trump signs executive orders to accelerate US quantum computing goals and strengthen cybersecurity

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday aimed at accelerating U.S. quantum technology development and strengthening cybersecurity protections against future threats posed by quantum computing. The orders seek to advance the development of a powerful quantum computer, improve government preparedness for emerging cyber risks, and reinforce U.S. leadership in the global competition for quantum technologies, particularly against China, the White House said. A major objective is the development of a powerful quantum computer capable of solving highly complex scientific and technological problems by 2028. "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. One order focuses on protecting federal systems from future cyberattacks enabled by advanced quantum computers. It sets a goal for key government computing systems to migrate to post-quantum cryptography by 2030 or 2031. The directives also call for the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028 to help military forces operate in environments where traditional GPS systems are unavailable. Agencies have been instructed to develop plans over the next five years for deploying quantum-enabled sensors and quantum networking systems. The orders also seek stronger international cooperation on intellectual property protections and supply chain security.