LIVE: Major MAYDAY Protest for Trump’s REMOVAL from Office | Lights On with Jessica Denson


May 1, 2025
As political tensions continue to mount across the United States, thousands of protesters have gathered today in major cities nationwide for what organizers are calling the “MAYDAY Protest,” demanding the removal of President Donald Trump from office. The demonstrations coincide with the traditional international workers’ day and come just over three months after Trump’s inauguration for his second term.
Nationwide Demonstrations
The protests, coordinated through social media under the hashtag #MAYDAYRemoval, have drawn significant crowds in Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other metropolitan areas. Organizers claim participation numbers in the hundreds of thousands, though official estimates vary by location.
In Washington D.C., demonstrators have assembled along Pennsylvania Avenue, creating a sea of signs with messages including “Defend Democracy” and “Accountability Now.” The protest remains predominantly peaceful, though police presence is substantial.
Jessica Denson’s Coverage
Political commentator and former Trump campaign staffer Jessica Denson is providing live coverage of the events through her program “Lights On with Jessica Denson.” Denson, who previously worked on Trump’s 2016 campaign before becoming critical of his administration, has been broadcasting continuously since early morning, interviewing protesters and offering analysis.
“What we’re seeing today is an unprecedented mobilization of citizens concerned about the direction of our democracy,” Denson stated during her live coverage. “The protesters represent diverse political backgrounds but share concerns about recent executive actions and what they perceive as threats to democratic institutions.”
Protesters’ Demands
The demonstrators have articulated several key demands, including:
- Congressional investigation into alleged constitutional violations
- Enforcement of ethics laws regarding conflicts of interest
- Protection of judicial independence
- Safeguarding of press freedoms
- Restoration of certain environmental and social policies reversed by the current administration
Official Response
The White House has issued a brief statement describing the protests as “the exercise of First Amendment rights” while defending the administration’s policies as “lawful and in the best interest of the American people.” Press Secretary Marcus Johnson added that the president “respects Americans’ right to peaceful assembly” but emphasized that the administration would continue implementing its agenda.
Political Context
Today’s protests follow months of escalating political division since the 2024 election. Trump’s narrow victory over Kamala Harris in November 2024 was contested in several states before ultimately being confirmed. Since taking office in January, the administration has moved quickly to implement numerous executive orders reversing policies from previous administrations.
Political analysts note that the scale of today’s demonstrations represents significant organized opposition to the administration’s policies, though it remains unclear what practical impact the protests might have on policy decisions or congressional action.
Looking Ahead
Organizers have announced plans for continued demonstrations throughout the month of May, with another major event scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.
As night falls on the East Coast, Jessica Denson continues her marathon coverage, interviewing political experts and protest leaders about what these demonstrations might mean for the future of American politics and what strategies opposition groups might pursue in the coming months.
“This isn’t just about one day of protests,” said demonstration organizer Eliza Hernandez during an interview with Denson. “This is about building a sustained movement to protect democratic norms and hold power accountable, regardless of which party holds office.”
Tags: political unrest, Trump administration, Jessica Denson, MAYDAY protests, democratic accountability, civil demonstrations, constitutional concerns, political opposition, government protests, American politics,