Rumored White House Exec Orders to Accelerate PQC Migration Timelines, Increase Quantum Investment

Rumors about upcoming Executive Orders (EO) from Trump administration were published today.

The article referred to two EOs: One for furthering government investment in the industry including funding to develop a quantum computer for government research. The second EO is said to be focused on enhancing efforts to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

There have been rumors about EOs for quantum in the past. Usually the EO does not occur on the schedule rumors put forth, so take these rumors with a grain of salt.

For the PQC angle, the assumption is that this EO would move up the US’ civilian migration deadline from 2035 to 2029 or 2030. This new date aligns with industry and academic experts. It is also much closer to my 2028 deadline. I don’t think there is new information that timelines are accelerating above the current rate. More likely, the government is formally establishing deadline.

As for the commercial aspects, we could see more investment and purchasing from government. Notably, IonQ was not part of the $2B investment the government made in nine quantum companies last month. IonQ has said that they are unable to issue shares during a merger event.

UPDATE: One EO sets PQC Migration to 2031 as the milestone. The other EO is a deeper scope around establshing a spec for a future quantum computer that government can buy. It also lays out new requirements for supply chain security. And, establishes intent to source quantum sensing products for the government.

Details from the White House here