Maxine Waters nows says Russia was dictating leadership decisions within the Donald Trump presidential campaign — she just doesn’t have the proof.

The California congresswoman appeared on MSNBC to float a wild new conspiracy theory: That the Russians “sent” campaign manager Paul Manafort to the Trump campaign to influence the candidate’s policy towards the adversary.

﻿

Denouncing how the Treasury Department is handling the imposing of sanctions on Russian companies, Waters said, “I am not happy about it at all.

“I think, you know, at the center of this question about whether or not the president colluded with Russia or Putin or the oligarchs, etc. is the question of sanctions,” Waters said.

“We know that Putin wants these sanctions lifted. And I’ve said from the beginning, that I believe — and I don’t have the proof — but I believe that Manafort was sent to the campaign to be there to insure that they get Trump elected in every way that they possibly could. This is in exchange for him lifting the sanctions,” she said.

Host Chris Hayes let out an audible “Hm,” but didn’t challenge Waters to provide proof of her conspiracy theory.

Noting Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is “guided by the President”.

“They’re all a part of this relationship that they have with Russia and with Putin and oligarchs,” Waters charged.

“When you look at the allies of this President that’s involved in this whole question, you cannot help but ask yourself, what’s at the bottom of this?”

Waters baselessly asserted it’s about sanctions.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi jumped into the conspiracy fray last week.

What does Putin have on @realDonaldTrump, politically, personally or financially? — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 26, 2019

“What does Putin have on @realDonaldTrump, politically, personally or financially?”