White House in process of crafting quantum executive action

The White House is planning executive action focused on quantum technology in the federal government, according to two sources familiar with the documents and their contents. 

Approximately two executive actions focused on quantum information sciences and technology and post-quantum cryptography migration efforts have been in the works since early this summer, according to both sources. Another noted that there may be as many as three orders or as few as one, indicating the scope of quantum technology the administration is seeking to address.

Details of the executive action remain scarce, but the sources say they will feature post-quantum cryptography — the first algorithms for which were released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology last year — as a starring subject. The executive action is slated to set further directives for agencies’ timelines to migrate their digital networks to a post-quantum cryptographic standard ahead of the advent of a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

President Donald Trump has previously overseen major policy action on quantum information sciences and technology, notably signing the National Quantum Initiative Act into law during his first term. The NQIA expired in 2023, and is currently pending reauthorization in Congress. 

His second administration has prioritized incorporating quantum technology into its tech policy plans, with Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios stating the White House plans to advance American quantum technology innovation in a similar manner as artificial intelligence. 

Earlier this year, the Office of Management and Budget drafted a memorandum directing federal agencies to begin a complete migration to a PQC standard, additionally asking government contractors to develop and publish phased network migration timelines. 

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.