On June 22, 2026, President Trump issued two Executive Orders entitled “Ushering the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation” (Quantum EO) and “Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks” (Cryptographic EO) demonstrating the increasing focus of the administration on quantum. 

Quantum technology is a rapidly growing technology using quantum-mechanical principles to process data in ways not possible with classical computers. Quantum computers and quantum technologies like photonics and sensors are undergoing significant research and development efforts that will impact every industry. One of the most immediately impactful issues related to quantum computers is their ability to break even the best classical computer encryption protocols. As a result, the United States and many other countries and large companies are dedicating significant funds to quantum research in an effort to ensure the protection of critical encrypted data. Quantum is both an amazing new technology and an imminent security threat.