By Blessing Nweke
President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at accelerating the development of advanced quantum computing technology in the United States while strengthening protections against future cyber threats posed by the same technology. The move underscores Washington’s growing focus on maintaining an edge in the global race for quantum innovation, particularly against China.
One of the orders directs federal agencies, national laboratories, private companies and academic institutions to work toward developing a powerful quantum computer capable of supporting scientific research by 2028. White House science adviser Michael Kratsios said the administration believes such a breakthrough could be achieved within the next two years.
Quantum computers use the principles of quantum physics to process information in ways that could solve certain complex problems far faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers. The technology is expected to have applications in artificial intelligence, materials science, chemistry and national defense.
A second executive order focuses on cybersecurity, setting a goal for key federal systems to transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2030 or 2031. Experts warn that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could eventually break many of the encryption systems currently used to protect sensitive government, financial and personal data.
The administration also wants the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028. Such devices could help military aircraft navigate when GPS signals are disrupted and may enable satellites to detect underground structures from space.
The orders follow recent federal investments in quantum technology and call for greater international cooperation on intellectual property protection and supply-chain security, reflecting the strategic importance of the emerging field.
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