Why Did Captain America Quit Being a Hero and How Was President Nixon Involved?

Why Did Captain America Quit Being Captain America in the 1970s?

Long before the multiverse and cinematic crossovers, Marvel Comics explored one of the boldest political stories in superhero history. In 1974, writer Steve Englehart created a storyline where Steve Rogers walks away from his Captain America mantle after learning that the U.S. President was behind a massive criminal plot.

Although the President’s face is never shown, Englehart later confirmed in a 2017 Newsarama interview that the story was inspired by the real-life Watergate scandal involving Richard Nixon. “I was reacting to Watergate,” he said, explaining that he wanted to reflect real-world corruption inside the Marvel Universe.

Was the President Really Supposed to Be Richard Nixon?

Yes. Englehart admitted his intention was for readers to recognize Nixon as the man behind the conspiracy, even if Marvel avoided naming him directly. He explained that Marvel Comics often mirrored real events, and the idea of a corrupt American leader was nearly unthinkable at the time. “In those days, there was a real idealism in the air,” Englehart recalled. “The thought that the President of the United States could commit such a crime was unthinkable.”

What Happened After Captain America Resigned?

When Steve Rogers quit, he temporarily abandoned his red, white, and blue costume and became “Nomad” — a symbol of freedom without national allegiance. This era reflected the moral uncertainty of 1970s America and remains one of the most politically charged storylines in Marvel history.

Did Captain America Ever Become President of the United States?

Surprisingly, yes. In the comics, Steve Rogers was persuaded to run for President in Captain America #250 (1980) but ultimately declined. However, in Marvel’s Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #15, an emergency election results in Rogers becoming President after a national crisis.

He’s also briefly shown as the President in Marvel’s What If…? animated series, suggesting that in at least one universe, Captain America actually made it to the Oval Office. With Avengers: Secret Wars rumored to explore multiple realities, a live-action version of “President Steve Rogers” is not impossible.

Final Thoughts: Could Marvel Explore This Storyline Again?

Given the political undertones of recent Marvel projects, revisiting the “Secret Empire” storyline in live action could deliver a compelling, timely story. Whether Steve Rogers returns as a symbol of rebellion or as the leader of a divided nation, his moral integrity remains as relevant today as it was in 1974.