Trump Sets 2031 Deadline for Federal Shift to Post-Quantum Cryptography

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at strengthening the country’s defenses against future quantum computing threats while accelerating American leadership in quantum technology.

The first order, Executive Order 14409, focuses on protecting government systems from advanced cryptographic attacks that could become possible once large scale quantum computers are developed. The White House warned that adversaries could collect encrypted data today and decrypt it in the future when more powerful quantum machines become available.

Under the order, federal agencies must transition high-value assets and critical information systems to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved Post-Quantum Cryptography standards. The deadline for implementing quantum-resistant key establishment systems is the end of 2030, while digital signature systems must be upgraded by the end of 2031.

Quantum Threat Raises Concerns for Cryptocurrency Security

The move comes as experts increasingly warn that quantum computing could eventually threaten modern encryption systems used across the internet, including cryptocurrencies. Earlier this month, Coinbase’s Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain estimated that roughly 7 million Bitcoin are held in addresses that could be vulnerable to future quantum attacks, including some early Bitcoin-era wallets.

Cybersecurity firm Project Eleven has also suggested that “Q-Day” — the point when quantum computers can break current encryption standards — could arrive as early as 2030. In response, major blockchain ecosystems including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Tron have begun exploring quantum-resistant security solutions.

US Pushes for Quantum Technology Leadership

Trump’s second order, Executive Order 14411, outlines a strategy to expand America’s leadership in quantum research and commercial applications. The directive calls for updates to the national quantum strategy, stronger domestic supply chains and expanded workforce training programs.

The order also establishes the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science initiative, designed to support scientific breakthroughs through advanced quantum computing. In addition, federal agencies have been instructed to prioritize next generation quantum sensor projects with deployment targets set for 2028.

Together, the two executive orders represent one of the most significant US government efforts to prepare for the emerging quantum era while addressing potential cybersecurity risks.