Fact Check: Trump's Order Eliminates Push for Quantum-Resistant Encryption in Federal Agencies
What We Know
On June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that significantly reversed several cybersecurity initiatives established by the Biden administration. Among the initiatives eliminated were provisions aimed at accelerating the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption across federal agencies. Biden's earlier directives had mandated that agencies begin using quantum-resistant encryption "as soon as practicable" and required vendors to implement such encryption when feasible (Cybersecurity Dive, Ars Technica). Trump's order not only scrapped these requirements but also removed other cybersecurity measures aimed at enhancing software security and AI capabilities (Cybersecurity Dive).
Analysis
The executive order signed by Trump is a clear departure from the Biden administration's push for improved cybersecurity measures, particularly regarding quantum-resistant encryption. The Biden administration had recognized the potential future threats posed by quantum computing to current encryption methods and sought to implement proactive measures to mitigate these risks. By eliminating these requirements, Trump's order effectively stalls progress in adopting encryption technologies designed to withstand potential quantum attacks.
Critics of Trump's executive order have pointed out that this move could leave federal agencies vulnerable to future cyber threats, especially given the rapid advancements in quantum computing technology (Ars Technica). The order has been characterized as a politically motivated reversal rather than a sound policy decision, with some experts arguing that it undermines the security framework established in response to significant cyberattacks, such as the SolarWinds incident (Ars Technica).
The sources providing this information are credible and well-regarded in the cybersecurity field. They include detailed analyses of the implications of Trump's executive order and the context surrounding the Biden administration's initiatives. However, it is essential to note that the framing of these events may carry political bias, particularly in the context of ongoing partisan debates over cybersecurity policy.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's order eliminates the push for quantum-resistant encryption in federal agencies is True. The evidence clearly indicates that Trump's executive order rescinded the Biden administration's directives aimed at implementing quantum-resistant encryption, thereby halting progress in this critical area of cybersecurity.
