Eva Lighthiser Is Suing for Her Future—Again
July 1, 2025
As the lead plaintiff in Lighthiser v. Trump, Eva Lighthiser returns to the courtroom nearly two years after her groundbreaking role in Held v. State of Montana, a landmark case that secured constitutional protections against fossil fuel harms in her home state. Now, facing a new challenge on the federal stage, Eva opens up about why she continues to fight for climate justice, the personal toll of defending her rights in court, and what winning this case would mean for her generation’s future—both legally and personally.
1. After everything you gave in Held v. Montana—your time, your story, your vulnerability—you could have stepped back. What made you choose to keep going, to become the lead plaintiff in Lighthiser v. Trump? Why did you say yes, again?
While Held was a commitment of time, energy, and vulnerability, it was also an experience with a lot of victories. Succeeding in both the trial court and Montana Supreme Court was incredibly encouraging to me. We’d used our voices, and we were heard. The power of our voices was an important lesson I took away from this experience, and a big factor in being involved in this new case. If we could do it in Held, then we could do it again. Now, more than ever, we need to speak up. We simply can’t afford to walk away from our Constitution, our democracy, and our futures.
2. This case argues that your fundamental rights—to life and liberty—are being violated by these executive orders. What does it feel like to have to fight in court to protect rights that are supposed to be guaranteed to you?
This administration is very careless in respect to the law, the Constitution, and its people. This means it falls on the shoulders of the people—and in this case, youth like us—to fight for rights that we were born with. It’s frustrating and appalling, but I can’t let it discourage me. It makes it even more imperative that we take action now.
3. You’ve already faced intense legal battles, including courtroom scrutiny and personal challenges. What lessons about courage and resilience have you learned from those experiences that are guiding you through Lighthiser v. Trump?
Just a few years ago, I remember being very anxious about testifying, being deposed, and speaking with the media. Despite how intimidated I was to use my voice, it always helped to remember there were people on my side. I had my co-plaintiffs, my lawyers, and my family supporting me. That’s a wonderful thing that I can carry with me for this case as well.
4. The government is supposed to protect its people, yet these orders actively worsen the climate crisis and harm your generation. How do you reconcile that contradiction, and what would true protection and responsibility from your government look like?
As much as I’d like to say the government is protecting its people, it’s not. By not caring for the climate, they’re not caring for the people. These executive orders are harming all of us—especially young people—in a time where it’s crucial that we move away from fossil fuels, transition to clean energy, and listen to the science. If the government’s priorities centered its citizens, we would be looking at a brighter future.
5. When you imagine winning this case—not just legally, but on a deeper level—what does that victory feel like in your body, in your home, in your future?
If the man in the highest seat of power in the world is forced to hear our voices, that will be a mighty thing. Winning, for me, means protecting our homes and futures by holding the government accountable for its actions. We deserve to be protected and healthy. We deserve a future we can rely on, and we deserve to be heard. Our rights to life and liberty are undeniable, and I would feel inspired, hopeful, and safe if we won.
6. If you had a message to President Trump right now—about this case, about climate justice, or about your generation’s future—what would you say to him?
When you have failed the next generation, you know you have failed as a leader. America’s children are going to sustain loss after loss as the climate crisis worsens while the man in power is driven by short-term financial interests, retribution and ego. However, since we are the strong ones, the resilient ones, and the ones with hope and vigor, we will put up a fight.