Warning: SPOILERS for the Star Trek: Discovery season 3 finale.
Star Trek: Discovery season 3 revealed that the Federation still has a President in the 32nd century, and while the President was only mentioned in passing and never seen, there is evidence to suggest that the mysterious character Kovich might fit the bill. The Star Trek franchise has explored storylines about the Federation President before, mostly in the Star Trek film series and in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. For much of Discovery's third season, it seemed as though the character of Admiral Charles Vance was the man now in charge of both Starfleet and the Federation — until Vance revealed to Osyraa that he had been authorized to speak to her on the President's behalf during the penultimate episode of season 3.
Vance, however, did not reveal the President's name or identity, leaving the character something of a mystery similar to the character of Kovich. Played by legendary horror direction David Cronenberg, Kovich was introduced in season 3, episode 5, and featured in cameo appearances throughout the season, including in the finale. The character has been an enigma from his introduction, and besides his name and the fact that he is in some way affiliated with Starfleet, the audience has been given very little information about him.
With the reveal of the existence of a Federation President, however, Kovich becomes a viable candidate for the position. His unusual appearance and unexplained participation in many key storylines during season 3, coupled with his extensive knowledge about current and past Federation affairs, all seem to point to him being in a position of relative power within Starfleet. Additionally, Kovich is set to return for Star Trek: Discovery season 4, where hopefully his true identity as the Federation President will be revealed.
Kovich Doesn't Act Like A Starfleet Officer
Kovich may have a Starfleet badge, but he does not act like a typical Starfleet officer. Throughout the season, the character was involved in many disparate Starfleet and Federation affairs, from participating in the initial debriefs of Discovery's crew (more specifically Emperor Georgiou's debrief) to helping Admiral Vance strategize during Osyraa's attack on Federation Headquarters in the season finale. Vance also seems to trust Kovich, and talks to him as an equal instead of a subordinate, suggesting that if Kovich is a Starfleet officer then the two of them are of roughly equal rank. Of course, it is almost impossible to tell what Kovich's rank might be, since during his time on screen he has only worn a nondescript dark suit instead of a Starfleet uniform.
It is possible the Kovich's strange behavior and appearance are a result of him being a high-ranking member of Section 31. This is something that has been theorized by fans during the course of the season, as an explanation for Kovich's lack of typical uniform and his interest in Emperor Georgiou. However, Kovich's interest in Georgiou can just as easily be explained by him being Federation President. As the head of a Federation made so vulnerable by The Burn, Kovich would likely take the potential threat of a rogue Terran like Georgiou seriously, and given what seems to be his unique personality, it is not surprising that he might want to interrogate her himself instead of leaving it to someone under him.
It also seems unlikely that the Star Trek: Discovery writers would choose to be so secretive about Kovich's identity if he were a member of Section 31, as they have not shied away from a deeper exploration of the organization in the past. Additionally, Kovich being a member of Section 31 does not necessarily explain why he is not in uniform. Section 31 agents have been known to have their own uniforms in the past, and Kovich's suit is not like the typical black leather garb agents have tended to wear in other parts of the franchise.
Kovich Has Extensive Federation Knowledge
During his brief but memorable cameos in Star Trek: Discovery season 3, Kovich has demonstrated that he possesses extensive knowledge about current and past Federation affairs. He discusses the history and current state of the Mirror Universe with Emperor Georgiou and later talks about the Temporal Wars with Doctor Culber, demonstrating much more than a passing knowledge of both topics during the discussions. Concerning the Temporal Wars, in particular, Kovich has access to the classified Starfleet files about Lieutenant Commander Yor, which he uses to explain to Doctor Culber what Georgiou has been suffering from when Culber calls on him for assistance. Kovich's access to classified materials again suggests that he possesses the clearance of a high ranking member of Starfleet or the Federation.
Kovich's knowledge and access to classified files could be explained by him being in Section 31, but a small yet telling moment during his debrief of Georgiou provides perhaps the most compelling evidence for him being the Federation President. During their discussion, Georgiou asks Kovich who is really in charge of the Federation in the 32nd century, a question he noticeably evades in favor of answering her other question about the cause of The Burn. There is no particular reason for Kovich to be so secretive about who is in charge of the Federation unless he is interested in keeping his own identity under wraps. Taken together with his Federation knowledge, this moment provides compelling evidence for Kovich being the Federation President.
Kovich Has Been Confirmed For Season 4
In a recent interview, David Cronenberg confirmed that Kovich would be returning for season 4 of Star Trek: Discovery. This fact at least confirms that there is more to Kovich than meets the eye and that Discovery's creative team is interested in exploring the character further. Cronenberg offered little detail as to Kovich's role in season 4, which has yet to even start filming, and has been cryptic about his character in general in past interviews, only describing him as an "interrogator" and "academic historian."
It is also unclear whether or not Kovich will have an expanded role in season 4 or will only continue to make cameo appearances. However, Kovich being the Federation President is an excellent reason for his continued inclusion in the show, and would open up some very interesting possibilities for the character going forward. Now that the cause of The Burn has been solved, the Federation is in full rebuilding mode and will need a strong leader more than ever. If Kovich is the President, fans will likely see him step into this expanded role and hopefully be involved in some interesting storylines about what the Federation is going to look like now that the threat of another Burn is not hanging over everyone's head.
Star Trek: Discovery season 3 not only ended on an optimistic note but did a good job of tying up most of the loose ends from the season in the finale. One of the only plotlines they left unfinished was the identity of the Federation President and more importantly Kovich's identity. The show has an excellent opportunity to make Kovich and the Federation President one and the same, and give Kovich an expanded role going into season 4, one that will hopefully allow David Cronenberg to continue to stretch his considerable acting talents.