Trump’s Quantum Push Lifts IBM Stock as CEO Arvind Krishna Receives White House Praise

IBM shares surged in after-hours trading Monday after President Donald Trump publicly praised IBM CEO Arvind Krishna during a White House event focused on advancing U.S. quantum technology leadership. The endorsement helped boost investor confidence, sending IBM stock up 3.75% after the market closed.

Speaking alongside leading technology executives and scientists, Trump highlighted Krishna’s leadership and contributions to the company’s growth. The president commended the IBM chief executive, describing him as a leader who has done an exceptional job guiding the technology giant.

In a lighthearted moment, Trump reflected on his personal experience with IBM stock, joking that he once owned shares when they traded at much lower levels. He added that selling his holdings after entering office was not one of his best investment decisions.

The event’s primary focus, however, was the future of quantum computing in the United States. Trump signed two executive orders designed to accelerate the development of domestic quantum technologies and strengthen the nation’s position in next-generation computing.

The first executive order launches a government-backed initiative aimed at developing a fully operational quantum computer within the next five years. The plan also includes advancing quantum-enabled networks and sensing technologies that could transform scientific research, communications, and national security capabilities.

The second order establishes a 2031 deadline for federal agencies to transition to post-quantum cryptography. The move is intended to protect sensitive government data from future cybersecurity threats posed by increasingly powerful quantum computers capable of breaking traditional encryption methods.

The White House gathering featured several prominent figures from the technology and scientific communities. Among those in attendance were Google President Ruth Porat, Inflection CEO Matthew Kinsella, and Nobel Prize-winning quantum physicist John Martinez Goldman.

Before signing the executive orders, Trump referenced the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, a landmark law that significantly increased federal support for quantum research and development. The legislation helped expand investment in domestic quantum innovation and laid the groundwork for the latest push toward U.S. leadership in quantum computing.

The announcements underscore growing government and industry efforts to accelerate quantum technology development, a sector widely viewed as critical to future economic competitiveness, cybersecurity, and scientific advancement. Investors appeared to welcome the initiatives, helping drive IBM stock higher as the company remains one of the leading players in the rapidly evolving quantum computing market.