Trump Signs Order Advancing Quantum Computing Upgrades
BITmarkets Team
Jun 27, 2026
The White House said the measures are designed to establish a “cohesive, whole-of-government approach” that supports the commercialization of quantum technology and safeguards critical systems against emerging risks. According to the administration, the strategy also seeks to “protect sensitive technologies and work with allies to ensure adversaries cannot use QIST [Quantum Information Science and Technology] to undermine national security.”
The announcement comes as global competition in quantum technology intensifies, particularly following China's latest Five-Year Plan unveiled in March, which prioritizes investment in scalable quantum computing and an integrated space-to-ground quantum communications network.
New strategy to accelerate quantum innovation
Under the executive orders, federal agencies have 180 days to update the National Quantum Strategy with a stronger focus on commercialization, public-private partnerships and practical applications. Government departments have also been instructed to assess the implications of increasingly powerful commercial quantum computers, including their impact on existing encryption methods and the transition toward post-quantum cryptography.
A key component of the initiative is the creation of the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) program, a nationwide effort intended to develop large-scale quantum computers capable of driving the next generation of scientific discovery.
Focus shifts to quantum-resistant encryption
The second executive order centers on preparing the United States for the cybersecurity challenges posed by future quantum computers. “We’re going to be investing in American quantum leadership like never before to stay ahead of the pack,” Trump said.
The order directs the Office of Management and Budget, together with the National Cyber Director, to oversee an accelerated nationwide migration toward post-quantum cryptography, helping secure government systems and sensitive data against future attacks. “The advent of large-scale quantum computers, particularly in the hands of adversaries, will pose a significant threat to widely used cryptographic security systems,” the executive order stated.
The growing focus on quantum-resistant security extends beyond government agencies. Several blockchain networks, including Ethereum and Solana, have already begun implementing post-quantum security roadmaps. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin community continues to debate how best to protect older wallets and legacy coins from potential quantum-based attacks in the future.
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