President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on June 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
By Alexandra Kelley
Staff Correspondent, Nextgov/FCW
June 22, 2026 06:06 PM ET
Executive orders seek to hasten quantum computing—and guard against its use
One directs a "national effort" toward a useful quantum computer; the other sets deadlines for quantum-resistant encryption.
TL;DRAI
Trump orders quantum computing R&D acceleration and post-quantum cryptographic standards adoption by 2030 for critical infrastructure. Organizations with cryptographic inventories retain strategic flexibility; the deadline leaves late movers scrambling for compliance-driven, reactionary approaches.
489 words~2 min read
