WATCH: Donald Trump At Wildwood Rally: 'We Have Accountability'

WILDWOOD, NJ — President Donald Trump spoke at Tuesday's Wildwood rally, claiming record job growth and saluting New Jersey's new Democrat-turned-Republican congressman, Jeff Van Drew of South Jersey.

President Trump called Van Drew a "courageous leader." Van Drew told President Trump that 175,000 registered to attend the rally. Patch has not been able to independently confirm the attendance.

"This is a flash point election," Van Drew said. "Are we going to allow ourselves to be like any other nation in the world, or are we going to keep America great?"

Many filled the Wildwoods Convention Center, which can fit about 7,400. But many attendees watched outside on a large screen.

"Mr. President, I think South Jersey is Trump country," said Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway, an Atco native.

Patch provided live updates during the rally:

8:25 p.m.: Trump mentions several New Jersey towns, such as Ocean City, Morristown, Stone Harbor, Wildwood and Paterson. "They're tough, they're smart, they're great people. It's called Jersey."

He also took pride in New Jersey boardwalks. Patch questioned whether President Trump would mention his controversial past in Atlantic City. It did not happen. The rally has ended.

8:12 p.m.: Trump: "We have reduced opioid deaths for the first time, very substantially, in 30 years."

8:10 p.m.: Trump claims that he's improved veterans health care because 'we have accountability.'

8 p.m.: Trump criticizes New Jersey for being a "sanctuary state." He brings up a man charged with aggravated sexual assault who allegedly was released from custody, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Read more: Mark Razzoli: Grewal Should Resign In Wake Of ICE Arrests

7:56 p.m.: Trump claims that 12,000 new manufacturing establishments have come to the United States in his presidency. Most are small businesses with fewer than five employees, according to a BBC fact check. But it is uncertain how many jobs they brought overall.

7:41 p.m.: Trump on Wildwood: "We’re in the middle of winter. There is nobody here in the middle of winter. It’s a great place in the summer. And those streets are packed all the way to the airplane."

7:39 p.m.: Rep. Jeff Van Drew, the South Jersey congressman who recently switched from the Democratic Party to the GOP and pledged loyalty to the president, told Trump that 175,000 people showed up. Patch hasn't been able to independently confirm the total attendance.

7:34 p.m.: Trump: "We called him. 'You’re our kind of guy, let’s go.' It didn’t take much."

7:23 p.m.: The PA just welcomed Trump.

7:15 p.m.: Trump and Van Drew arrived at the venue at 6:50 p.m., according to the press pool. They're not yet on stage.

7 p.m.: There appears to be a delay. Neither Trump nor Van Drew have taken the stage yet.

Before the rally, Air Force One landed in Atlantic City at 5:45 p.m.

Some camped out overnight, and some came early Tuesday morning. Vendors kept the boardwalk crowded with Trump apparel.

Thousands waited in the morning to get inside the Wildwoods Convention Center, knowing not every attendee could fit inside the venue that fits up to 7,400.

Read more: Trump Wildwood Rally: Jersey Shore Gets Packed With Politics

Many attended purely for President Trump. Several anti-Trump protests will also take place.

Another protest also featured Trump supporters. People held anti-vaccine signs in front of the giant "Wildwoods" letters on the boardwalk.

The rally takes place amid the second week of President Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate. The Democratic presidential primary will also begin to take shape soon, with the Iowa caucus on Monday.

Related article: Wildwood Trump Rally: What Will The President Say?

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