President James Ritson is the current President of the United States. Early in his presidency, he was targeted by the Skrull Resistance in an attempt to cause World War III against Russia during the Secret Invasion. While he was saved, he displayed anti-alien sentiments and intentions to wage war on extraterrestrials in a televised address, leading to a rise in anti-alien extremism and the passing of the Anti-Alien Act.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
James Ritson was born on December 22, 1972 in the United States. In his adulthood he became a politician. In 2018, he survived the Snap, and in 2020 he got his tetanus toxoid.[1]
President of the United States[]
In November 2024, Ritson was elected President of the United States of America, taking office the following January.[3]
Wakandan Situation[]
- "President wants to take offensive action against Wakanda."
"What type of offensive action?"
"Destabilization." - ―U.S. State Secretary and Valentina Allegra de Fontaine[src]
In 2025, following a series of events that involved Wakandans, Ritson expressed a desire to take offensive action against Wakanda, namely a destabilization. Ritson ordered the U.S. State Secretary and the Defense Secretary to consult with the CIA, but Everett Ross asked for more time to investigate if there was a third party involved.[4]
Trade Deal with New Asgard[]
Ritson signed a trade deal between the United States and New Asgard, which was reported by CNN.[4]
Informed on Nick Fury[]
Ritson learning that Nick Fury has returned
- "Agent Fury is building up the most complex aerospace defense system in the history of mankind. He can't just leave."
- ―James Ritson to James Rhodes[src]
President Ritson was informed by James Rhodes that Nick Fury had left the S.A.B.E.R. Space Station, which upset him. Rhodes that an encrypted message from Maria Hill to Fury was intercepted, but could not be decoded. Rhodes said that since both were unreachable, the two were absent without leave. Ritson told Rhodes to deal with the situation, and Rhodes agreed.[5]
Unity Day Bombings[]
Ritson responding to the terrorist attacks
- "You are not a Head of State. Surely, President Ritson is aware of the seriousness with which his international partners regard this allegation."
- ―Pamela Lawton to James Rhodes[src]
On November 4, 2026, a terrorist attack occured in Moscow, allegedly perpetrated by the Americans Against Russia. The majority of the international community sided with Russia and demanded the United States to respond to the allegations. Although the United States anticipated a war declaration from Russia, Ritson did not attend the summit in London, sending James Rhodes instead.[6]
Attacked by Skrulls[]
Ritson arrives in England
- "Colonel, can I ask you something?"
"Absolutely anything, sir."
"Did you pre-game for our bilateral with the Russians with a half-bottle of bourbon?" - ―James Ritson and James Rhodes[src]
Ritson flew to England in order to attempt peace talks and was greeted by James Rhodes. Ritson expressed his anxiety regarding the situation, so Rhodes offered advice to be firm with Russia. Ritson smelled alcohol on Rhodes' breath, so he asked if Rhodes had been drinking. He told one of his securiy agents to ensure that Rhodes had coffee to sober up before getting in the car.
Nick Fury gets Ritson to safety
While driving, Ritson's motorcade was fired at by two missiles, flipping Ritson's car over. Ritson struggled to move and eventually fell unconscious. Talos punched through the reinforced glass of the window and Nick Fury managed to pull him out of the car, bringing the President to his own car.[2]
Hospitalized[]
Ritson learns about New Skrullos
- "How you feeling, Mr. President?"
"Helpless."
"Would you like to change that, sir? As you no doubt saw with your own eyes, these Skrulls aided in that attack." - ―James Rhodes and James Ritson[src]
Ritson was rushed to King George VII Private Hospital and operated on successfully. As he sat in recovery, he was approached by James Rhodes and told him that he felt helpless. Rhodes offered a chance to change that, explaining that Skrulls had aided in the attempt on his life. Rhodes showed Ritson footage of a Skrull facility that was on Russian soil, saying that they would need to destroy it. Ritson was hesitant to attack, aware that such an attack would start a World War, but Rhodes claimed that it was a better option than allowing the Skrulls to invade.[7]
Ritson considers attacking Russia
Ritson was attended by Rhodes and other representatives from the United States Armed Forces. Rhodes insisted that they needed to respond to the attack, but an admiral said they needed time to verify that the attack was done by the Russian government. The two argued, and Rhodes was presented with footage that was put on the room's monitor. Rhodes explained that it was satellite imagery of Russian tanks approaching the borders of Finland and Ukraine. Rhodes presented Ritson with a speech he had written to address the United States, insisting that they needed to hear that Russia was responsible for the attack and telling him to make the call.[3]
Realizing the Truth[]
Ritson arms himself
- "Jesus, somebody give me the phone."
- ―James Ritson to Nick Fury and Sonya Falsworth[src]
James Rhodes received a phone call from Sonya Falsworth, warning him that Nick Fury was going to kill Ritson. Rhodes and Ruben Steiner rushed Ritson out of his hospital room and explained to him that they would be moving him upstairs. Ritson was brought to a new floor, where he took Steiner's gun from him. Ritson saw Falsworth hold Rhodes at gunpoint and bring him out of a hospital room, causing him to question what was happening. Fury then appeared and shot the remaining Secret Service agents with tranquilizer darts. Ritson aimed his gun at Fury, who calmly suggested aiming it at Rhodes instead. Rhodes and Fury claimed that shooting the other would be best, and Ritson started to question Rhodes.
Ritson struggles to decide who to trust
Fury claimed that the real James Rhodes had been replaced by a Skrull and that sending the missile to Russia would result in his death, shocking Ritson. Ritson aimed his gun at Rhodes and asked him to confirm that Fury was lying, which Rhodes said was obvious. Rhodes insisted that if he stayed on his path, their enemies would be gone, and Ritson agreed. However, Fury insisted that Ritson was looking at his enemy, noting that hesitation would result in the Skrull Resistance winning. Falsworth asked what Ritson had to lose, and Fury agreed as he walked closer to Ritson. Ritson trained the gun on Fury as Fury asked Ritson to delay the strike and imprison Fury if he was wrong. Rhodes then stole Falsworth's gun and tried to shoot Fury, who stole Ritson's gun and shot Rhodes, killing him. Ritson watched as "Rhodes" transformed back into "his" Skrull form and took a cell phone from Falsworth to call off the missile strike.[3]
Anti-Alien Sentiments[]
Ritson declares all extraterrestrial species to be enemy combatants
Angry with Skrulls for invading, Ritson went on national television and revealed the existence of the Skrull refugees to the world. He announced that he would be presenting a bill to declare any species not born on Earth to be enemy combatants. He looked at the camera and declared that humans would kill every last alien.
Ritson and Nick Fury disagree about his treatment of Skrulls
Nick Fury called Ritson, who expressed relief that they survived the incident at the hospital. Fury agreed, but scolded Ritson for his hateful speech. He explained that Ritson had inspired hit squads to attack Skrulls and humans alike, but Ritson reiterated his belief that war was the only possible ending. Ritson demanded that Fury expel the Skrulls from Earth if he truly cared about them and angrily hung up on him.[3]
Personality[]
- "Now you've got dumbass vigilantes killing innocent humans, too. When they're not getting killed themselves. Call off your war."
"Give me a break. There's only one way this ends. The old Nick Fury would have known that. And if you truly care about the Skrulls, get 'em off my planet." - ―Nick Fury and James Ritson[src]
Ritson is initially displayed as a rational official, and keeps composed when the pressure is mounted on him to alleviate strained geopolitical relations. However, upon learning of the planned Secret Invasion by Skrulls and the deception of his trusted advisor James Rhodes by his Skrull impostor Raava, his demeanor drastically changes and he reacts ruthlessly, calling for the eradication of Skrulls on national television.
Despite the efforts of some Skrulls, like Talos, who saved his life, Ritson remained indifferent. Ritson displayed deep-rooted animosity and prejudice against extraterrestrials as a whole, going to the lengths of issuing the Anti-Alien Act, a bill designating all aliens on Earth as enemy combatants. Furthermore, Ritson seemed to encourage human vigilantism against the Skrulls, and did not appear to show sympathy when innocent humans, such as U.K. Prime Minister Pamela Lawton, were killed in the crossfire of civilian unrest because of it. He exhibited an afraid and reactionary mindset, demonstrated in his interactions with Nick Fury, who criticized Ritson's decisions. He also showed traits of subtle egotism when he referred to Earth as his planet.
Equipment[]
Weapons[]
- Glock G19 Gen 5 MOS: Ritson armed himself with Ruben Steiner's gun, preparing to defend himself against Nick Fury's alleged attack on him. However, Fury appeared himself and revealed that James Rhodes was not who he appeared to be, causing Ritson to struggle to decide who to shoot. Fury ultimately stole the weapon from Ritson and used it to kill "Rhodes," revealing her true nature as a Skrull.
Facilities[]
- White House: As the President of the United States of America, Ritson resides in the White House.
- King George VII Private Hospital: Ritson was rushed to King George VII Private Hospital to be treated for injuries he sustained during Gravik's attack. He was influenced by Raava to launch a missile at New Skrullos, but Nick Fury managed to defeat Raava and Ritson's security detail and kill Raava, prompting Ritson to call off the strike from the hospital. He then delivered a message from the hospital to the American people, declaring all alien-born people to be enemy combatants.
Relationships[]
Allies[] |
Enemies[]
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Appearances[]
In chronological order:
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (mentioned)- Secret Invasion | Episode 1.01: Resurrection
- Secret Invasion | Episode 1.02: Promises (photo)
- Secret Invasion | Episode 1.04: Beloved
- Secret Invasion | Episode 1.05: Harvest
- Secret Invasion | Episode 1.06: Home
Behind the Scenes[]
- Craig Nixon was a stunt double for Dermot Mulroney in the role of James Ritson.
References[]
| Preceded by: - |
President of the United States James Ritson 2025 - Present |
Succeeded by: - |
