Trump tells feds to quantum-proof by 2031; $BTC wallets, you have until then 😅

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday aimed at strengthening U.S. leadership in quantum computing and accelerating the federal government's transition to post-quantum cryptography, moves the White House says are designed to prepare the country for "Q-Day," a future in which quantum machines could break widely used encryption that protects government networks and cryptocurrency wallets.

Speaking before the orders were signed, White House science advisor Michael Kratsios framed quantum technology as a national security and economic priority. "President Trump has long recognized the importance of quantum as an economic and national security imperative for the nation," Kratsios said. "In his first term, he signed the National Quantum Initiative Act into law, doubled the federal R&D budget for quantum research, and his administration launched five national quantum research institutes. Now, in a second term, we aren't letting our foot off the gas."

The first order, titled Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation, directs federal agencies to pursue the development of a "scientifically relevant" quantum computer by 2028. It also calls on the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Defense, along with NASA, to develop plans for deploying quantum sensors and networking technologies within five years. A senior White House official said the Department of Energy will define the technical specifications for the system, with deployment planned at a national laboratory or other DOE facility. Officials described the effort as an intermediate step toward larger, more powerful quantum systems.

The second order focuses on cybersecurity. According to a senior White House official, it moves the federal deadline for adopting post-quantum cryptography to December 2031, replacing a 2035 target established under National Security Memorandum-10. The order also directs the Department of Commerce to launch a pilot migration project through the National Institute of Standards and Technology to transition federal systems by the end of 2027, and it tasks the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency with supporting critical infrastructure operators as they move to quantum-resistant encryption.

The orders also call for expanded workforce development programs, stronger domestic supply chains, increased coordination with allies, and broader efforts to protect quantum research from cyber and counterintelligence threats, including the expansion of the FBI's Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team. Kratsios said the policies are intended to "drive transformational growth in existing and entirely new industries, and manufacturing, drug discovery, energy, agriculture, and more," describing quantum breakthroughs as a driver of "innovation, economic growth, national security that will benefit the American people."