Trump Signs Quantum Order to Boost U.S. Technology Leadership

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order designed to strengthen the United States’ leadership in quantum technologies through expanded research, commercialization, and national security initiatives. The order outlines an ambitious government-wide strategy covering quantum computing, sensing, networking, manufacturing, and workforce development as global competition in the field intensifies.

White House launches wide quantum initiative

The executive order establishes the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) initiative, a national effort aimed at delivering at least one advanced quantum computer to a U.S. Department of Energy facility for scientific research. 

Within 90 days, the Department of Energy must define the technical specifications needed for such a system, and additional agencies will explore public-private partnerships to accelerate deployment.

The administration also directed federal agencies to update the National Quantum Strategy within 180 days, and align government programs around commercialization, manufacturing, research, and deployment of quantum technologies. The policy emphasizes maintaining U.S. leadership and protecting sensitive quantum tech from foreign adversaries.

Alongside quantum computing, the order calls for expanded investment in quantum sensing and networking. The Department of War must identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects to deploy by September 2028, whereas the Departments of Commerce and Energy, NASA, and the National Science Foundation must each produce five-year plans for advancing quantum sensing and networking technologies.

Supply chains, workforce, commercialization

Meanwhile, beyond research, the order places significant emphasis on building a domestic quantum ecosystem. Federal agencies are instructed to strengthen U.S. quantum supply chains, encourage private-sector manufacturing of quantum-enabling components and expand access to research infrastructure through grants and public-private partnerships.

The administration also seeks to grow the quantum workforce through new recruitment strategies, apprenticeships and the creation of National Quantum Information Science and Technology Workforce Development Institutes. Additionally, the FBI’s Quantum Information Science and Technology Counterintelligence Protection Team will expand to strengthen protections against cyber threats targeting the U.S. quantum sector.

Internationally, the order directs agencies to work more closely with allies to promote trusted quantum supply chains, coordinate export controls and reduce barriers facing American quantum companies abroad. The White House said these measures aim to ensure the United States remains the global leader in quantum innovation as commercial adoption accelerates.