Trump signs orders for quantum computer, cryptography upgrades

President Donald Trump signed executive orders on December 10, 2018, aimed at accelerating the development of quantum computing and upgrading U.S. cryptography standards. The "National Quantum Initiative Act" was signed into law, authorizing $1.2 billion over five years for quantum research and development. This legislation established a national quantum initiative program to coordinate federal research and development efforts across multiple agencies, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal was to maintain American leadership in quantum information science and technology. Concurrently, another executive order directed federal agencies to transition to quantum-resistant cryptography by a deadline of February 10, 2020. This move was intended to protect sensitive government data from future threats posed by the advancement of quantum computers, which could potentially break current encryption methods. The administration emphasized the importance of these initiatives for national security and economic competitiveness, highlighting the need to secure critical infrastructure and sensitive information.