WHY IT MATTERS: President Donald Trump has set firmer deadlines for US quantum computing efforts, signing two executive orders designed to accelerate the technology's development while fast-tracking defenses against the security risks it poses. The directives signal a shift from broad policy ambitions to concrete timelines and measurable goals.
One order directs federal agencies to work with private companies and universities to deliver a quantum computer capable of supporting scientific research by 2028. The Department of Energy has been tasked with identifying the technical benchmarks that will define the system.
The emphasis is on demonstrating practical utility, not just increasing scale. Quantum computers are expected to outperform today's supercomputers on certain types of problems, but reliably achieving that advantage outside controlled laboratory environments remains a significant challenge. The 2028 target is intended to demonstrate that the technology can move beyond theory and experimentation into real-world applications.
At the same time, the administration is accelerating efforts to address the security implications of quantum computing. A separate executive order directs federal agencies to speed up the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption, setting a 2031 deadline – four years earlier than previously planned. The order places particular emphasis on critical infrastructure, including power grids and water systems, which are considered especially vulnerable to disruption.
