Trump administration plans quantum computing strategy expansion, Cyberscoop says

Investing.com -- The Trump administration is mapping out an expansive overhaul of the U.S. quantum computing strategy, according to Cyberscoop, citing multiple industry executives and former national security officials familiar with the matter. The initiative could involve executive orders and a comprehensive national action plan modeled after the administration’s July AI strategy, designed to secure America’s technological dominance.

Sources told Cyberscoop that the White House is considering mandating federal agencies to accelerate their adoption of post-quantum cryptographic protections in anticipation of a future where quantum computers may crack current encryption methods. While the timeline remains unclear, officials across sectors confirm that preparations for a formal rollout are well under way, with potential announcements expected in the near term.

Government interest is being driven jointly by the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Department of Commerce, according to individuals with direct knowledge of high-level discussions. One quantum executive, speaking under condition of anonymity, said, “everyone in the quantum industry from a policy standpoint has been told some variation of the message ‘that the White House wants to do for quantum what they did for AI in July.’”

Former Department of Energy official and current Commerce Deputy Secretary Paul Dabbar is reportedly leading much of the effort on the government side. Dabbar, who launched a quantum networking startup after his initial stint in government, is seen as a key figure pushing the initiative forward across both research and commercial sectors.

U.S. policymakers are reacting not just to the projected timeline of quantum breakthroughs but to the national security risks they pose. A former Department of Homeland Security official stated, “I did hear there was some forthcoming guidance for agencies, given the push with AI, but more specifically the need for government departments to be much more aggressive about what they’re doing, since the codebreaking capability of quantum is pretty significant for federal agencies.”

Efforts to harden federal cybersecurity infrastructure have been in motion for more than a decade, with federal contractors pushed to replace legacy public-key encryption with more resilient post-quantum algorithms. However, the slow pace of migration has raised alarms in Washington and coincides with rising pressure to act amid geopolitical competition over emerging technologies.

If finalized, federal action could have significant downstream effects on quantum technology firms such as Rigetti Computing Inc (NASDAQ: RGTI), IONQ Inc (NYSE: IONQ), D Wave Quantum Inc (NYSE: QBTS), and Quantum Computing Inc (NASDAQ: QUBT). Shares of these companies could stand to benefit from expanded government contracts and a more robust investment environment encouraged by clearer national priorities.

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