Trump sets 2028 quantum target and speeds crypto defenses

President Trump signed two executive orders Monday directing the federal government to pursue a “scientifically relevant” quantum computer by 2028 and to accelerate adoption of post-quantum cryptography across federal systems to December 2031. Officials described the actions as preparation for a possible future when quantum computers could break current encryption protections.

The first order, titled Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation, assigns the Departments of Energy, Commerce, Defense and NASA to develop plans to deploy quantum sensors and networking technologies within five years. The Department of Energy will define technical specifications for an intermediate quantum system intended for installation at a national laboratory or other DOE facility, officials described.

The second order advances the federal deadline for migrating to quantum-resistant cryptographic standards from 2035 to December 2031. The Department of Commerce is directed to run a pilot migration project through the National Institute of Standards and Technology that aims to transition federal systems by the end of 2027. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will assist critical infrastructure operators with adopting quantum-resistant encryption.

The orders call for expanded workforce programs, measures to strengthen domestic supply chains for quantum technologies, increased coordination with international partners and steps to protect quantum research from cyber and counterintelligence threats. Officials said the protections will include an expanded FBI Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team.

White House science adviser Michael Kratsios praised the directives and referenced prior federal work on quantum. “President Trump has long recognized the importance of quantum as an economic and national security imperative for the nation,” Kratsios said in a statement, noting earlier actions including the National Quantum Initiative Act and federal research funding increases.

Technology and crypto firms are accelerating planning for a post-quantum future. Google has set an internal 2029 deadline to adopt post-quantum cryptography. Developers are testing quantum-resistant proposals for Bitcoin, including a testnet based on BIP-360 and a proposal, BIP-361, that would freeze vulnerable legacy addresses if owners do not migrate. Blockchain projects such as Stellar and Algorand have published migration roadmaps, with Algorand aiming for broad quantum resilience by 2027. Coinbase’s quantum advisory council warned that roughly 7 million Bitcoin could become vulnerable to future quantum attacks if keys are not migrated to quantum-resistant formats.

Officials framed the orders as preparation for a potential “Q-Day,” a point when sufficiently advanced quantum computers could break widely used encryption that protects government networks, communications and cryptocurrency wallets. The new deadlines and pilot programs aim to accelerate readiness across federal agencies and the private sector.