Trump Signs Executive Orders to Advance Quantum Computing and Cryptography Upgrades

Once mature, quantum computers could break existing public-key encryption, creating a “harvest now, decrypt later” risk. The Trump administration is building on the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, which authorized a total of $1.275 billion for fiscal years 2019 through 2023. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Department of Energy and NIST were tasked with coordinating research and development to counter competition from China, protect critical infrastructure and promote commercialization.

On June 22, 2026, Trump signed Executive Orders 14412 and 14413, establishing the QC-ADDS program. The orders require the Department of Energy to set specifications within 90 days and work to deploy at least one quantum computer at a department facility. NIST must complete a post-quantum cryptography pilot by the end of 2027, while federal high-value systems must migrate key-establishment mechanisms by the end of 2030 and digital signatures by the end of 2031.