Trump Administration in Talks to Take Stakes in Quantum Computing Firms

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The Trump administration is in discussions with several U.S. quantum computing companies to acquire equity stakes in exchange for federal funding, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the talks. The proposed deals would represent another instance of direct government investment in strategically important technology sectors.

Companies involved in the discussions reportedly include IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, Quantum Computing Inc., and Atom Computing. Each firm could receive at least $10 million in funding under the plan, with the government becoming a shareholder as part of the arrangement.

The move follows similar interventions, including a proposed 10% federal stake in Intel tied to grant funding, and the Pentagon’s equity position in MP Materials to support rare earth production. Deputy Commerce Secretary Paul Dabbar, formerly an executive in the quantum industry, is said to be leading the negotiations.

The Department of Commerce declined to confirm the talks, while several companies and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The initiative reflects Washington’s growing push to secure leadership in quantum technologies as rivals such as China ramp up investment in the field.

New Zealand Parliament to Debate Ban on Teen Social Media Use

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New Zealand lawmakers are preparing to debate a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 16, marking a major step in the country’s push to address online harms among young people. The proposal, introduced by National Party MP Catherine Wedd, would require social media platforms to implement age verification systems similar to Australia’s pioneering legislation passed in 2024.

The bill, first submitted in May, was selected on Thursday for parliamentary consideration through the country’s ceremonial ballot process for members’ bills. While it has backing from the ruling National Party, coalition partners have yet to confirm their support, leaving its passage uncertain.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has voiced growing concern about the mental health impact of social media on teenagers, citing issues such as misinformation, cyberbullying, and body image pressure. A parliamentary committee is also studying the wider effects of online harm, with a full report expected in early 2026.

Civil liberties group PILLAR has criticized the proposal, warning that mandatory age checks could endanger privacy and limit online freedoms. Executive Director Nathan Seiuli called the measure “lazy policymaking” that fails to protect children effectively.

U.S. Weighs Sweeping Curbs on Software Exports to China Amid Rare Earth Dispute

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The Trump administration is considering a sweeping new set of export restrictions targeting China’s access to U.S. software, in retaliation for Beijing’s tightening of rare earth shipments. The plan, discussed by senior officials and confirmed by multiple sources, could block exports of products ranging from laptops to jet engines that rely on U.S.-made or U.S.-designed software.

The proposal, which mirrors export controls once imposed on Russia, is part of a broader strategy to pressure China ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month. While the plan remains under discussion and may not be implemented, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “everything is on the table,” including coordinated measures with G7 allies.

Analysts warned the move could have far-reaching global implications, disrupting supply chains and triggering economic retaliation from Beijing. Emily Kilcrease, a former U.S. trade official, said software restrictions would be “extraordinarily difficult to implement” and could backfire on American industry.

The Chinese embassy condemned Washington’s potential actions as “unilateral and coercive,” vowing to protect China’s interests if the U.S. proceeds. U.S. markets reacted nervously to the report, with the S&P 500 closing down 0.5% and the Nasdaq falling about 1%.