On June 22, 2026, US President Donald J. Trump signed two executive orders that together establish a comprehensive national approach to both defending against quantum-era cryptographic threats and accelerating American leadership in quantum innovation.
Executive Order 14409
The first, Executive Order 14409, titled Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks, addresses the looming risk that large-scale quantum computers could one day break widely used encryption systems, exposing sensitive government and private-sector data. The order mandates that federal agencies transition to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved post-quantum cryptography standards, with deadlines requiring adoption for key establishment by 2030 and digital signatures by 2031. Agencies must appoint migration leads within 30 days, and NIST is tasked with completing a pilot migration project by 2027.
The order also directs Sector Risk Management Agencies to assist critical infrastructure operators, requires federal contractors to comply with PQC standards by 2030, and expands vulnerability disclosure programs to cover cryptographic weaknesses. Internationally, the State Department and NIST are charged with encouraging foreign governments to adopt PQC standards, while the National Security Agency will provide annual updates on migration progress for national security systems.
Executive Order 14411
The second order, Executive Order 14411, titled Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation, lays out a national strategy to ensure U.S. dominance in quantum computing, sensing, and networking. Within 180 days, the National Quantum Strategy must be updated to align agencies with commercialization and deployment goals.
A centerpiece of the order is the launch of the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS), which will deliver at least one large-scale quantum computer to the Department of Energy for scientific use.
The order also calls for the development of quantum sensors and networks, with at least three priority sensor projects identified by 2028, and emphasizes strengthening domestic supply chains to support U.S. manufacturing of quantum-enabling technologies.
To protect these advances, the Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team (QCPT) will be expanded to guard against adversarial threats.
Workforce development is another major focus, with directives to create new training institutes, expand apprenticeships, and implement a government-wide recruitment and retention strategy for quantum-related occupations.
International cooperation is also prioritized, with efforts to align with allies on supply chain security, harmonize export controls, and prevent adversaries from acquiring critical quantum technologies.
Taken together, these executive orders form a dual strategy: one shields the nation from the risks posed by quantum computing, while the other harnesses its potential to drive economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological leadership. With synchronized timelines extending into the early 2030s, the initiatives underscore both the urgency of preparing for quantum threats and the ambition of positioning the United States at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
For industry and research communities, the orders signal a clear federal commitment to advancing quantum technologies while ensuring that the nation’s digital infrastructure remains secure in the face of unprecedented computational power.
