TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday slammed an investigation into former President Donald Trump and said he would not involve himself in the extradition of Trump should New York prosecutors indict the former president.

A  2024 GOP presidential front-runner, Trump announced Saturday that an indictment Tuesday is imminent related to a Manhattan grand jury investigation into allegations hush money was paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels on Trump’s behalf during his 2016 campaign.

DeSantis on Monday delivered his first remarks on the situation, describing it as a “manufactured circus” orchestrated by an ideologically driven prosecutor. 

Speaking in Panama City, DeSantis added that he is focused on the 2023 Legislative Session and the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. 

“I’ve got to spend my time on issues that actually matter to people,” DeSantis told reporters. “I can’t spend my time worrying about things of that nature, so we’re not going to be involved in it in any way.”

A rising star within the GOP, DeSantis’ remarks drew swift reaction from Donald Trump Jr. The eldest of Trump's three sons, Don Jr., echoed the remarks of other Trump supporters, who take issue with DeSantis’ comparative silence on the issue. 

“So DeSantis thinks that Dems weaponizing the law to indict President Trump is a ‘manufactured circus’ and isn’t a ‘real issue,” Don Jr. tweeted. "Pure weakness. Now we know why he was silent all weekend.”

The response by Don Jr. is the latest dustup between the GOP presidential contenders. Trump has repeatedly criticized DeSantis as disloyal, assigning him the nickname “Ron DeSanctimonius.” Trump’s campaign is reportedly preparing an opposition file against DeSantis, though DeSantis has yet to officially enter the presidential primary race. 

Neither Trump’s campaign, nor law enforcement officials, have confirmed a looming indictment against the former president. Trump, meanwhile, maintains his innocence and is urging supporters to protest should officials file charges.

A Trump campaign spokesperson told Spectrum News in a statement the expectation of charges is based solely on media reporting, not any direct conversations.

“There has been no notification, other than illegal leaks from the Justice Department and the DA’s (district attorney's) office, to NBC and other fake news carriers, that the George Soros-funded Radical Left Democrat prosecutor in Manhattan has decided to take his Witch-Hunt to the next level,” the Trump campaign said in a statement.

DeSantis is expected to announce a presidential campaign after the 2023 Legislative Session, which is slated to end in May. The session in an opportunity for DeSantis to strengthen his conservative credentials with several controversial proposals dealing with guns, abortion, immigration and education on the agenda.