Nathan Samuels

Nathan Samuels was a prominent 22nd century Human politician who served as Prime Minister of United Earth in 2155. (ENT episodes: "Demons," "Terra Prime; novel: The Good That Men Do.)

Prime Minister Samuels was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Coalition of Planets, a mutual-defense alliance that he proposed in late 2154, building upon the work of United Earth Starfleet Captain Jonathan Archer of Enterprise NX-01, who had previously organized the first joint United Earth/Vulcan/Andorian/Tellarite military operation to thwart a Romulan plot to ignite interstellar war between those worlds. Prime Minister Samuels also oversaw United Earth's response to the terrorist organization Terra Prime's attempt to destroy Starfleet Headquarters and drive all non-Humans out of the Terran system -- ironic, given that Samuels had himself once been a member of Terra Prime in his youth. ("Demons," "Terra Prime.") Prime Minister Samuels was later present at the signing of the Coalition Combact in March of 2155. The Coalition of Planets later proved to be one of the most vital steps leading to the formation of the United Federation of Planets in 2161. (The Good That Men Do.) Indeed, Samuels was amongst the signatories of the Articles of the Federation that year. (ENT novel: Last Full Measure.)

Amongst Prime Minister Samuels' cabinet was United Earth Interior Minister Haroun al-Rashid, who later served as one of the first Federation presidents. (The Good That Men Do, Articles of the Federation.)

''Samuels was only referred to as "Minister" in "Demons" and "Terra Prime," and was specifically identified as not being in the United Earth Starfleet's chain of command in the latter episode. However, some nations do not put their prime ministers within the direct chains of command of their militaries, instead giving this role to the head of state. Alternately, it may have been a function of the United Earth Starfleet's legal classification as a non-military organization.''

Prime Minister Samuels was played by Harry Groener, who is perhaps most famous amongst genre fans for his role as Sunnydale Mayor Richard Wilkins III on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.