Trump signed executive orders for the US transition to post-quantum cryptography: tight deadlines and a race for quantum leadership
The administration of the US President has taken a historic step that will directly impact the future of global cybersecurity and digital asset infrastructure. On June 22, two executive orders were signed, fundamentally changing the approach to protecting national systems. This is not just about modernization, but about a forced transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) amid a growing quantum threat.
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later: The Threat Becomes Reality
The first order, No. 14409, officially recognizes the "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" tactic. This means that foreign adversaries are already accumulating encrypted data to crack it once powerful quantum computers emerge. Federal agencies have been given a clear deadline: all critical assets and high-value systems must be migrated to NIST-approved PQC algorithms by December 31, 2030. For digital signatures, the deadline is extended to 2031.
Key requirements of the order include appointing special migration leaders in each agency (within 30 days), launching a NIST pilot project by 2027, and obligating federal contractors to meet the new standards by the end of 2030. This creates enormous demand for PQC solutions and will directly affect companies working with government contracts.
Quantum Computer as a National Priority
The second order, No. 14411, shifts focus to commercialization and scientific breakthroughs. The "Quantum Computer for Applied Development and Fundamental Science" (QC-ADDS) initiative is launched. The goal is to deploy at least one quantum computing system at the Department of Energy and provide access to it for the scientific community. Simultaneously, the Pentagon is required to implement at least three projects using quantum sensors by September 2028.
Special attention is given to protecting intellectual property. The FBI is expanding counterintelligence activities (QCPT) to prevent espionage in the field of quantum technologies. The Department of Commerce will analyze supply chains and stimulate domestic production of components through pre-orders and competitive prizes.
My analysis: These orders are a signal for the entire crypto industry. Blockchains using ECDSA or other algorithms vulnerable to quantum attacks are at risk. The market must realize: the transition to post-quantum standards is not a distant future issue, but a strict national security requirement that will begin shaping regulatory norms in the coming years. Players unprepared for this scenario risk being left out of the game.