US President Donald Trump Tries to Claim Credit for Quantum Research Done in the 1980s

New York: This month, three scientists were awarded the Nobel Physics Prize for their contributions to quantum mechanics. But US President Donald Trump claimed he also contributed to this achievement. Posting on the social media platform Truth Social, he said the win was a result of his government's technology policies.

What did Trump say about the Nobel Prize?

In his post, Trump quoted his Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, writing, "A former Lawrence Berkeley National Lab scientist has received the Nobel Prize for research in quantum physics. Quantum computing, AI, and fusion have been major science efforts by our administration. 'Trump 47 has won his first Nobel Prize!'"

In this post, Trump implied that his policies and research support made this achievement possible.

Which scientists received this year's Nobel Physics Prize?

This year, the Nobel Physics Prize was awarded to three scientists—

• John Clarke (83), British physicist and professor at UC Berkeley,
• Michel Devoret (72), Yale University,
• John Martinis (67), UC Santa Barbara.

These scientists' experiments in the 1980s laid the foundation for quantum computing.

What was the reaction to Trump's claim?

California Governor Gavin Newsom took a jab at Trump's post. He wrote, "The President is so desperate that, after failing to win his own Nobel, he's now taking credit for others. Pathetic." People on social media also called Trump's statement an "attempt at self-promotion."

The President of the United States is so upset about his failed campaign for a Nobel Prize that he's now trying to claim someone else's prize as his own.

Pathetic. https://t.co/KZnFohmxgY

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) October 30, 2025

What did Nobel laureate John Martinis say?

Nobel laureate John Martinis responded humorously to Trump's claim. He said, "This work was done in 1985, so perhaps Ronald Reagan should get the credit." However, he acknowledged that the Trump administration had prioritized quantum technology. "Trump has given importance to quantum computing, and everyone appreciates him for it."

Quantum technology: The center of future global competition

Donald Trump's claim that he also contributed to the Nobel Physics Prize seemed like a political stunt to many people. But this statement highlights a bigger truth—quantum technology has now become the center of future global competition. Countries like America, China, Japan and Europe are considering it as the basis of their technological strength and economic growth.

According to scientists, the foundation of quantum computing was laid in the 1980s, when scientists such as John Clark, Michel Devoret and John Martinis conducted landmark experiments in this field. At that time, Trump was far away from politics; hence, giving him credit for this achievement is considered scientifically wrong. Nevertheless, this entire controversy has once again proved that progress in science is not the result of a single person or power—it is born out of years of hard work, research, and global collaboration.