Every Known US President Confirmed to Exist in the MCU (Including the Red Hulk)

In the entire span of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we have 23 confirmed fictional U.S. Presidents, many of whom are inspired by their real-life counterparts such as George Washington, the very first U.S. president. However, there are also several presidents exclusive to the MCU like Matthew Ellis, James Ritson, and Thaddeus Ross, who occupy pivotal roles in the franchise’s history, wielding significant power and influence.

In this timeline, several U.S. presidents like John Adams, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Gerald Ford, and others who served in real life are not present or mentioned in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This makes their existence within the MCU uncertain, as other historical presidents have been confirmed. Although there have been 45 presidents in reality, only 22 have been verified in the MCU’s Earth 616, with one even appearing in a thrilling alternate reality.

23) George Washington (1789-1797)

Even though George Washington himself hasn’t been depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the inclusion of the Washington Monument in several MCU projects serves as a nod to the reality that the United States’ first president did indeed exist. Most memorably, Spider-Man scaled the Washington Monument in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming to rescue his classmates. This iconic monument also features prominently in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and more recently in Captain America: Brave New World, where the Red Hulk causes damage to it during a battle with Sam Wilson’s Captain America.

22) Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)

In a similar vein to the Washington Monument, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial has been featured in various Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) productions. One notable instance is where Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson run alongside the Jefferson Memorial, circling the Reflecting Pool during their initial encounter. Just as Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father and the third President of the United States in real life, he plays a role, presumably, within the MCU as well.

21) James Buchanan (1857-1861)

Another president not prominently featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), except for a fleeting image in “Secret Invasion” of 2023, is James Buchanan. As the 15th President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861, Buchanan left quite a mark in history. Interestingly, his legacy extended to the MCU as well, as Bucky Barnes – who befriended Steve Rogers as a child, fought alongside him during World War II, transformed into the Winter Soldier, and later became a Congressman and New Avenger – was named after President Buchanan. In essence, Bucky’s accomplishments within the MCU serve as a fitting tribute to his esteemed namesake.

20) Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)

One frequently seen landmark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that hints at another president’s presence is the Lincoln Memorial. This iconic structure can be spotted in films such as “Iron Man 2”, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”, and “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. In the latter, Peter Parker is seen rushing by it on his way to aid his friends. Interestingly, in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” from 2021, John Walker quotes Lincoln, saying, “Mercy bears richer fruit than strict justice,” which catches Bucky Barnes off guard. John Walker defends Lincoln’s greatness by asserting that he was an exceptional figure.

19) Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877)

While Ritson and Rhodey were strolling through the Capitol Building during “Secret Invasion,” a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was visible among numerous historical presidents’ portraits adorning the walls. In the 2018 film “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” there was a clever nod to this president when Scott Lang named his favorite ant Ulysses S. Gr-Ant. Although Ulysses S. Gr-Ant only made a brief appearance in the sequel, he played a significant role in helping Ant-Man retrieve a laboratory filled with quantum technology.

18) Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

In the scene where HYDRA ambushes Nick Fury in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Marvel subtly paid tribute to the 26th President of the United States by mentioning the Roosevelt Bridge and using it as a significant location. This bridge is not only found in Fury’s car but also serves as the primary entrance for the Triskelion, the Washington DC headquarters of SHIELD. Interestingly, the Triskelion appears to be situated on Roosevelt Island, further emphasizing the significance of President Roosevelt within the Marvel universe.

17) Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)

The movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” depicts Steve Rogers, having returned from the past and concluded his stint with the Avengers, settling into a tranquil life in New York. His usual residence is filled with books, among which is “Madam President,” a literary work by William Hazelgrove that delves into the life of Edith Wilson, who was married to Woodrow Wilson, the 28th U.S. President. In this film universe, it appears that just like in real history, Edith took over presidential duties after her husband’s health deteriorated due to a severe stroke, managing the office during the remainder of his term.

16) Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

In a historically-inspired, political film titled “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Franklin D. Roosevelt, serving as the 32nd president of the United States, made an appearance via archival footage. Known for his significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Roosevelt was instrumental in establishing the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) in 1940, a precursor to the SHIELD organization that would later take on the Nazi Party. Roosevelt gave the order for Chester Phillips to bring Howard Stark into the SSR’s ranks. The absence of Roosevelt would have meant no SHIELD, no Iron Man, no Avengers, and perhaps a doomed world on multiple occasions.

15) Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)

Following Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman assumed the presidency as the 33rd President of the United States. Although Truman doesn’t appear physically in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he was the first president seen during Ritson and Rhodey’s tour in “Secret Invasion.” It is noted that Howard Stark worked on the Manhattan Project, which Truman continued. Truman played a significant role in the “Agent Carter” series; however, this spinoff does not align with the main timeline of the MCU.

14) Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)

In a similar vein to Truman, Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower assumed the role as the 34th President of the United States. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Ike played a pivotal part in World War II, collaborating closely with Captain America, aka Steve Rogers, to combat the Nazis and HYDRA. This alliance was substantiated in footage presented by Arnim Zola in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Additionally, his presence was hinted at in Secret Invasion, while Ike also received a nod in Agents of SHIELD, despite the ABC series not being part of the MCU’s official continuity.

13) John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

Although John F. Kennedy didn’t show up in person (as he did in 2011’s X-Men: First Class within Fox’s X-Men series), he plays a significant part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Notably, at her aunt’s funeral, Sharon Carter disclosed that Peggy Carter had met JFK and owned a photo taken with the 35th U.S. President prior to his assassination in 1963. This pivotal event in history also received an MCU makeover, as Captain America: The Winter Soldier unveiled that it was the Winter Soldier who assassinated JFK, acting on HYDRA and Soviet Union orders.

12) Richard Nixon (1969-1974)

In the 2014 film “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” Richard Nixon, the 37th U.S. President, holds an important role, but he doesn’t show up physically within the main storyline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, during “Secret Invasion,” his portrait was displayed prominently on a staircase climbed by Ritson and Rhodey. Nixon played a significant part in the Vietnam War, which is a crucial period for many MCU characters like Thaddeus Ross, characters from “The Punisher,” employees of the Time Variance Authority, and others, as Nixon was deeply engaged in that conflict.

11) Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)

Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, has not personally appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, his likeness was included in the series “Secret Invasion,” and he also made a brief appearance in an image in the 2021 film “Black Widow.” This latter occurrence was part of a sequence that interwove General Dreykov, the Red Room, and the Black Widow assassins into the broader narrative of the MCU. In this montage, Dreykov was shown alongside significant political figures, including Carter, although the specifics of their connection remain undefined.

10) Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)

In the early scenes of 2014’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, an image of Ronald Reagan is displayed, depicting him on a hospital wall where Peter Quill’s mother dies in 1988 – during Reagan’s term as president. His likeness also appears in ‘Secret Invasion’, along with other presidents, and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is referenced by Jasper Sitwell in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ during HYDRA’s rebellion and pursuit of Captain America (Steve Rogers).

9) George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a book titled after George H.W. Bush’s name, written by Timothy Naftali, shares shelf space with “Madam President” in Steve Rogers’ library in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Additionally, Ultron reviews footage of the 41st U.S. President in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” demonstrating that George H.W. Bush is part of the MCU. Furthermore, this evidence supports the idea that George H.W. Bush’s son, who was president after him in reality, also exists within the MCU.

8) Bill Clinton (1993-2001)

During the tenure of George H.W. Bush and his son, there was a brief interlude when Bill Clinton served as President. A notable moment occurred during this period, depicted in the movie ‘Black Widow’, where Clinton was captured walking and laughing with General Dreykov. Clinton, being the 42nd President of the United States, shared this unusual encounter with Dreykov, who had previously been seen with Jimmy Carter. Both Carter and Clinton were Democratic presidents, but it remains unclear why Dreykov sought out these meetings, possibly to foster relationships as he knew they wouldn’t share his views.

7) George W. Bush (2001-2009)

During his tenure as the 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush has not been featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), neither in person nor as an image. However, his name was cited in the MCU’s initial film, Iron Man, and in Black Widow, Condoleezza Rice, Bush’s Secretary of State, was depicted alongside General Dreykov instead of President Bush himself. Key occurrences that transpired during the Bush administration were also mirrored in the MCU, such as 9/11, the Afghanistan war, and more.

6) Barack Obama (2008-2013)

Although Barack Obama didn’t personally feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), his presence was significant since he served as president during the time when the MCU was popular on our screens. Obama, the 44th president and one of the most influential figures in history, was frequently referenced. This is evident throughout the Defenders Saga, particularly in Luke Cage, where images of him with characters like Piranha Jones were included. Moreover, a representation of the “Hope” poster featuring Obama was replaced by Iron Man in Iron Man 2, while Obama also had his photo taken with Delmar from Spider-Man: Homecoming.

As a cinephile immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), I’ve noticed some intriguing literary connections that tie our real world to the silver screen. One such instance involves David Maraniss’ captivating book, “Barack Obama: The Story,” which shares virtual shelf space with other volumes on Captain America’s bookshelf in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

In a fascinating twist, Jay Carney, who served as White House Press Secretary during President Obama’s tenure, made a brief yet significant appearance in “The Avengers,” delivering a press conference post the Battle of New York.

Most recently, in the latest addition to the MCU, “Ironheart,” President Obama himself graced the set through an image displayed at Desperito’s Pizzeria, underscoring the enduring influence of our former leader within this fantastical universe.

5) Matthew Ellis (2013-2017)

Matthew Ellis is introduced as the fictional President of the United States within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, taking over from a one-term Barack Obama portrayal. William Sadler first played Ellis in “Iron Man 3,” where he was threatened by Aldrich Killian but was rescued by Iron Man and Iron Patriot. In “The Winter Soldier,” Ellis was targeted again, this time by Project Insight, but was saved by Captain America. While his character underwent further development in the series “Agents of SHIELD” (which is not considered canonical to the MCU), he was also mentioned in various Defenders Saga series, such as “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.

4) Donald Trump (2017-?)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Donald Trump’s character is consistently featured throughout the Luke Cage series, suggesting he might be a fictional president within this universe. However, unlike in reality, his controversial re-election hasn’t happened in the MCU, and it seems his first term may have been interrupted prematurely. While Trump officially took office in 2017, there’s speculation that he was taken out by Thanos during the events of Avengers: Infinity War in April 2018, when Thanos snapped his fingers. The details surrounding the presidency during the Blip event remain unclear according to Marvel Studios.

3) James Ritson (2023-2027)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it is confirmed that James Ritson will serve as the next U.S President. He made a solitary physical appearance in “Secret Invasion,” and Dermot Mulroney portrayed him. In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” his presidency was established post-Blip, and he played a significant role in “Secret Invasion.” There, the Skrull uprising attempted to manipulate him into igniting World War III. “Secret Invasion” concluded with Ritson declaring war on Earth’s extraterrestrial inhabitants, but this action did not materialize, and he was subsequently replaced as president.

2) Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross (2027)

2025’s film “Captain America: Brave New World” commenced with Thaddeus Ross being elected as the President of the United States, succeeding Ritson. Ross assumed office in early 2027, following the sad demise of William Hurt in 2022, who was replaced by Harrison Ford in the role. Prior to his passing, Hurt portrayed Ross in “The Incredible Hulk”, “Captain America: Civil War”, “Infinity War”, “Endgame”, and “Black Widow”. Regrettably, he didn’t get the opportunity to transform into Red Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Ford did assume this role, making his debut as the first superpowered president in the series. Yet, Ross was promptly ousted from office, leaving the position of the new president unclear.

1) Steven Grant Rogers (Alternate Universe)

In a slightly unconventional turn, this event doesn’t strictly follow the primary timeline of Earth-616 within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the first season of “What If…?”, during the Watcher’s fight against Infinity Ultron, they momentarily venture into a reality where none other than Steve Rogers takes the presidential oath of office in the United States. With Loki being suggested to become president in another Disney+ series, there could be numerous alternate universes hosting unforeseen individuals in power, some of which might be interesting to explore further in the MCU’s future.

https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/marvel-cinematic-universe-villains-most-hateable/embed/#

2025-08-26 00:15