On June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at strengthening the country’s leadership in the quantum era.

Along with accompanying fact sheets, these documents outline a strategy designed to protect the U.S. from advanced cryptographic attacks while also promoting commercial and scientific innovation.

Cybersecurity: Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

The first executive order, No. 14409, titled “Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks,” acknowledges the immediate threat posed by foreign adversaries employing a “capture now, decrypt later” strategy.

This document sets strict deadlines for federal agencies to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as approved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Key directives and deadlines include:

  • Personnel. Each federal agency must appoint a designated PQC migration officer within 30 days;
  • Deadlines. Agencies are required to migrate all valuable assets and high-priority systems to PQC for key establishment by December 31, 2030, and for digital signatures by December 31, 2031;
  • NIST Pilot Program. The Department of Commerce, with NIST, will launch an internal pilot project for PQC migration within 180 days, to be completed by December 31, 2027;
  • Supply Chain Transparency. Within 270 days, the Department of Homeland Security and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will issue guidance defining the minimum elements of a cryptographic bill of materials for automating asset risk assessments;
  • Contractor Compliance. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must publish rules requiring federal contractors to comply with PQC standards by the end of 2030 and implement stricter vulnerability disclosure policies.

Stimulating Innovation

The second directive, Executive Order No. 14411, titled “Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation,” sharply shifts focus toward commercialization, domestic production, and scientific breakthroughs. It recognizes that quantum technologies are on the brink of significant commercial breakthroughs and establishes structural mechanisms to ensure U.S. leadership in this race.

Key directives and initiatives include:

  • Launch of the “Quantum Computer for Applied Developments and Fundamental Science” (QC-ADDS) initiative. Coordinated by the President’s Science and Technology Advisor, this initiative aims to create the first quantum computer, with a goal of deploying at least one system based on a Department of Energy facility and providing access to the scientific community;
  • Sensors and Networks. Relevant agencies must submit five-year plans for the implementation and development of quantum sensors and networking technologies. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense must prioritize at least three projects for deployment by September 30, 2028;
  • Expansion of Counterintelligence Activities. The FBI, in collaboration with partner intelligence agencies, will expand its Quantum Counterintelligence Program (QCPT) to protect research from foreign espionage.

The Department of Commerce will also analyze supply chains in quantum technologies and implement standards in the private sector. To stimulate domestic production of components, agencies will utilize advance orders and competitive prizes. Increased tariff rates will be introduced to attract specialized professionals.

It’s worth noting that in June, IBM stated that business readiness is a condition for achieving quantum advantage.

Previously, Quantus highlighted the unpreparedness of the crypto market for quantum threats.