WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed executive orders on June 22, 2026, to advance quantum computing for scientific research, military applications, and cybersecurity. The orders aim to establish a quantum computer for research and protect government systems from potential quantum cyberattacks by rival nations.

One executive order mandates the construction of a quantum computer powerful enough for scientific research within two years. This computer is to be developed in a federal laboratory. Another order directs quantum-safe security updates to high-impact systems by 2031, accelerating a previous deadline of 2035.

The United States has spearheaded a Post-Quantum Cryptography Initiative, and new encryption algorithms from this initiative are expected to be released as standards for civilian and defense networks by 2027. Last month, the United States provided a $2 billion injection of government funding for quantum computer development.

Quantum computers store information using qubits. A qubit can exist as 1, 0, or both simultaneously, a state known as superposition. The outputs of quantum computers rely on quantum entanglement, where the condition of one qubit influences another, according to Steven Olmschenk, an associate professor at Denison University. "Quantum technology is a really exciting area. It has the potential for major advances," Olmschenk said.

The most advanced quantum computers currently utilize hundreds to a few thousand qubits. Niklas Mueller, an assistant professor and researcher at the University of New Mexico, stated that handling the failure rate of qubits is a major area of focus. "We call that quantum error correction. That is currently the big frontier," Mueller said, noting that quantum bits have a failure rate of roughly 1 in 1,000, while digital bits have a failure rate of 1 in 1 billion.

Mathematician Peter Shor developed Shor's algorithm in 1994, which quantum computers could use to crack RSA encryption. John Preskill, Director of the Institute for Quantum Information at Caltech, emphasized the capability of these machines. "Quantum computers are exceptionally good at breaking codes," Preskill said. He added that currently used encrypted security systems "will no longer be secure" when quantum computers become sufficiently capable.

McKinsey & Co. predicted the quantum computing industry could reach a value of $1.3 trillion by 2035. Chris Ferrie, a researcher at the University of Sydney's Center for Quantum Software, referenced an early prediction about traditional computers. "In the 1940s the Chief Technology Officer of IBM said there will never be a market in the world for more than six computers. I have six in front of me right now," Ferrie said.