As we reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025, we honor the remarkable work of a leader who fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. King’s advocacy for civil rights extended beyond racial equality; it encompassed economic justice, peace, and ultimately, environmental justice—a fight that remains just as urgent today. This year, however, the MLK Day celebration held an additional layer of significance. It coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump, a leader whose environmental policies often stand in stark opposition to the principles of climate justice. 

Yesterday marked a critical juncture in American history, providing an opportunity to revisit Dr. King’s vision of justice while grappling with the future of environmental justice in an era marked by growing opposition to climate action and environmental protections. While King’s words and actions emphasize the interconnection of all life, Trump’s track record reflects a stark disregard for the environment, often prioritizing corporate interests over the well-being of marginalized communities, especially those most vulnerable to environmental pollution. 

King famously said, “It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” These words resonate deeply when we consider the current state of environmental justice. Climate change and pollution disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color—those who are least responsible for the crisis but most affected by its consequences. Yet, under President Trump’s administration, the push for environmental protection is consistently undermined, leaving vulnerable populations even more at risk.

Dr. King’s fight for justice extended beyond racial and economic equality. He envisioned a world where everyone had access to a healthy and sustainable environment. His commitment to justice was holistic—emphasizing the connection between poverty, racism, and environmental degradation. The modern environmental justice movement, which advocates for protection from environmental harm for marginalized communities, draws from Dr. King’s understanding of justice as interconnected and inseparable from the fight for racial, economic, and social equity.

Yet, as we reflect on his legacy, we must confront the reality that President Trump’s administration has systematically rolled back environmental protections, prioritizing corporate interests over the health and well-being of the most vulnerable communities—communities Dr. King fought so hard to uplift. On his first day back as president, Trump signed an executive letter giving notice of the U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, a global treaty seeking to combat the climate crisis. 

Dr. King’s Vision for Environmental Justice

Dr. King recognized that true justice was indivisible. In his speeches and actions, he highlighted the links between environmental harm and the struggles of the poor and people of color. In his 1967 speech, King called for systemic change, stating, “The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct, and immediate abolition of poverty.” He also acknowledged the disproportionate environmental burdens placed on marginalized communities, pointing out that pollution and ecological degradation often fell hardest on the poor, particularly communities of color. His words laid the foundation for today’s environmental justice movement, which advocates for equal protection from environmental hazards for all, with a particular focus on those most vulnerable.

Environmental Justice Under Trump’s Administration

Now, as President Trump enters his second term, the environmental landscape remains bleak for those who believe in the fight for a just and equitable future. Under Trump’s leadership, the federal government has rolled back crucial environmental protections, undermining efforts to confront climate change and safeguard vulnerable populations.

One example of this is the 2019 executive order that directed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to ease restrictions on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) by rail. This decision put both the environment and public safety at risk, especially in communities already burdened by pollution and health risks. Many of the areas that would be affected by this policy are low-income and predominantly communities of color—groups that Dr. King tirelessly advocated for.

Thankfully, days before the inauguration, the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned President Trump’s LNG by Rail Rule. In this instance, as in many others, corporate interests took precedence over the health and safety of the people Dr. King sought to protect. The Trump administration’s track record is a stark reminder of the ongoing need to defend environmental justice.

The Ongoing Fight for Environmental Justice

As we reflect on MLK Day 2025, it is clear that environmental justice remains a critical issue in the face of the climate crisis. Today, more than ever, we must continue to fight for Dr. King’s vision of justice, which encompasses the right to live in a healthy, sustainable environment. The rollback of protections like the 2019 LNG rail transport order represents just one piece of the puzzle in an administration that prioritizes fossil fuel interests over the needs of vulnerable communities. 

By making decisions that benefit the fossil fuel industry at the expense of environmental protections, Trump’s policies have exacerbated the injustices faced by those most vulnerable to environmental harm. Yet, despite these challenges, the fight for environmental justice continues.

King’s dream of a better, more equitable world—one in which all people can live in healthy, sustainable communities—remains alive in the work of countless activists, organizations, and communities across the globe. From grassroots movements fighting for clean water and air to calls for stronger regulations and sustainable energy solutions, the spirit of resistance against environmental injustice continues to thrive.

 

A Call to Action: Upholding Dr. King’s Legacy

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must redouble our efforts to continue the fight for justice in all its forms. We must push back against harmful policies, and hold our leaders accountable for the future of our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Consider taking action:

• Write to your representatives – As Maryland and Virginia state legislatures are deliberating on state-wide climate policies, demand stronger environmental protections, and challenge policies that harm communities.

• Support environmental justice organizations – Join or donate to groups like CCAN that are working on the frontlines to protect vulnerable communities from environmental harm.

• Get involved locally – Volunteer with local environmental or climate justice organizations to take part in grassroots efforts that push for change. You can register for CCAN’s Action teams here >>  

Dr. King’s words continue to inspire us: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As we face the realities of the climate crisis we must remain united in the struggle for justice—today, tomorrow, and the next four years.