United States National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross (2nd-L) accompanied by United States Chief Technology Officer Dr. Ethan Klein (L), White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios (3rd-L), U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd-R), Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (3rd-R), and Energy Secretary Chris Wright (R), speaks during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a pair of executive orders late today to advance quantum computing, cybersecurity, and sensors, with one of the orders giving the Pentagon until fall 2028 to field three new types of quantum sensors.
Most of the military’s role falls under Executive Order 14411 on “quantum innovation,” which aims “to ensure that the United States maintains a strategic technical advantage” across multiple quantum technologies. That includes helping the Energy Department build a working quantum computer to accelerate scientific projects that traditional computing methods cannot crack. But EO 1411 also looks at other, lower-profile applications of the same physical principles, like secure communications and novel sensors.
