White House Issues Executive Orders on Quantum Innovation and Post-Quantum Cryptography

President Trump signs two executive orders in the Oval Office: 'Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation' and 'Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks.' The first launches a national effort — coordinated across the Departments of Energy, War, and Commerce plus industry and research leaders — to deliver a science-enabling quantum computer to a Department of Energy facility as early as 2028, directs a National Quantum Strategy update, and calls for quantum sensor deployment plans, domestic supply-chain security, and new National QIST Workforce Development Institutes. The second order accelerates federal migration to NIST's post-quantum cryptography standards, targeting key government systems by 2030–2031. OSTP Director Michael Kratsios said the effort responds to accelerating hardware progress and the 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat to encrypted data.