Trump signs orders to build a quantum computer and protect against the one that could break encryption
CoinDesk 2026-06-23 05:15:16
Context: On June 23, 2026, the White House took a dual approach to address the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by quantum computing technology. President Trump signed two executive orders aimed at advancing the United States' capabilities in quantum computing and protecting against potential threats posed by large-scale quantum computers. These orders reflect the administration's efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing.
Key Facts
- The White House issued two executive orders on June 23, 2026, to accelerate the development of large-scale quantum computers and to protect against the potential threats posed by such machines.
- The orders aim to advance U.S. capabilities in quantum computing, reflecting the administration's efforts to maintain leadership in this rapidly evolving technological field.
- President Trump signed the executive orders, which focus on both building quantum computers and defending against those that could potentially break current encryption methods.
- The move is intended to harden U.S. defenses against large-scale quantum computers that could compromise current encryption standards, thereby posing a significant threat to national security and digital communications.
- The twin executive orders represent a strategic response to the dual challenge of leveraging quantum computing for advancement while mitigating its potential risks, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity and encryption.