Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he had selected Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., to serve as secretary of state.

Rubio's selection was reported in the press earlier this week, but Trump did not make the official announcement until Wednesday.

"It is my Great Honor to announce that Senator Marco Rubio, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The United States Secretary of State. Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom," Trump said. "He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries."

"I look forward to working with Marco to Make America, and the World, Safe and Great Again!" he added.

The Florida senator's nomination would open a seat in the upper chamber. The choice of Rubio's replacement would fall to Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla.