President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday, April 9, 2025, to accelerate the development of the U.S. quantum-computing industry [1], [2].
The directives represent a strategic push to secure technological leadership in a field that could redefine scientific discovery and jeopardize current digital encryption standards.
One order establishes a goal to develop the first quantum computer powerful enough for scientific research by 2028 [1], [3]. This timeline aims to move the technology from theoretical application to a tool capable of driving commercial innovation, and breakthroughs in various scientific fields.
"We will develop by 2028 the first‑ever quantum computer powerful enough for scientific research," said Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy [1].
The second executive order focuses on the security implications of the technology. As quantum computers grow in power, they may eventually be able to break the encryption methods that currently protect government and private data. The order directs the government to harden the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure against these future threats.
"These orders will ensure America leads the quantum revolution and keeps our data safe from future quantum threats," Trump said [3].
The signing ceremony took place at the White House in Washington, D.C. [1], [2]. The administration framed the initiative as a necessary step to maintain a competitive edge over other global powers pursuing similar quantum capabilities.
A White House spokesperson said the national effort will launch an era of quantum-enabled scientific discovery and commercial innovation [2].
While the administration emphasizes scientific research, some reports describe the 2028 target as the goal for a commercially relevant quantum computer [3]. The orders create a dual-track priority: advancing the offensive capabilities of the hardware while simultaneously building a defensive wall for the nation's digital assets [1], [3].
“We will develop by 2028 the first‑ever quantum computer powerful enough for scientific research.”
The focus on a 2028 deadline suggests the U.S. government views quantum computing as a critical theater of geopolitical competition. By coupling hardware development with cybersecurity hardening, the administration is acknowledging a 'quantum leap' risk—the possibility that an adversary could achieve quantum supremacy first and decrypt sensitive U.S. data before the U.S. can migrate to quantum-resistant encryption.
