A Quantum Playbook for Trump
Technology policy attorney Paul Stimers was featured in a Q&A with Politico on the direction of U.S. quantum research and development under the Trump Administration. Mr. Stimers, who leads the Quantum Industry Coalition, said the group's "top three priorities are reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act, reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act and reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act," emphasizing the importance of this field for maintaining competition with China and ensuring national security. He also commented he sees broad support for quantum technology, from computing to cryptography, across the administration and Congress, highlighting President Donald Trump's support for the industry alongside that of Michael Kratsios, nominated to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He additionally explained that currently, there is no consensus "smartest approach" to building quantum systems, which means the market can experiment without leaving U.S. taxpayers on the hook to fund proprietary research.
"I have heard no serious suggestion for becoming second [to China] on quantum technology," he said when asked about efforts within the executive to cut federal staffing and spending. "Everybody readily understands that quantum computing, quantum clocks and sensors, quantum networking, quantum communication and post-quantum cryptography are critically important from a national security perspective."