Former President Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at accelerating quantum research, laying the groundwork for federal agencies to adopt the technology and bolster the nation's ability to withstand cyberattacks.
Speaking at the White House, Trump stated that these executive orders would enhance the United States' "global leadership in this very important emerging field. We are already far ahead, and now we will further extend that lead."
Quantum computing is an emerging field with profound implications for national security, with both the United States and China racing to establish dominance. Present with Trump were Alphabet executive Ruth Porat and IBM CEO Arvind Krishna. Shares of IBM rose 2.4% in after-hours trading.
Trump indicated that the first executive order would initiate projects to develop quantum computers capable of performing critical scientific calculations. White House officials, speaking anonymously to reporters before the signing ceremony, expressed confidence that such a computer could be developed by 2028.
Officials stated that the order also directs agencies to formulate plans for deploying quantum sensors and networks within the next five years. Furthermore, the order supports coordination with allies to protect quantum intellectual property and strengthen supply chains.
The second order aims to accelerate the U.S. deployment of algorithms resistant to quantum cyberattacks. It plans for the migration of agencies' high-value assets to "post-quantum cryptography" standards by no later than 2031. Quantum technology remains largely theoretical and not yet proven at scale, but its potential power could one day break the standard encryption used to protect vast amounts of information, such as bank payments.
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