Sen. Bernie Moreno Calls Trump Aide Natalie Harp Scrutiny 'Super Misogynistic'

Bernie Moreno says people need to back off Natalie Harp ... blasting the speculation over her close relationship with President Trump as "super misogynistic."

Jacob caught up with the Ohio senator Sunday at the Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C., and asked him about all the chatter surrounding Trump's executive assistant -- including Sen. Jon Ossoff invoking Harp during a speech.

Moreno didn't mince words ... saying Harp is "very talented" and "very smart" -- and arguing nobody would be raising eyebrows if she were a man.

He says the implications are obvious ... people see a young, attractive woman constantly around Trump and assume there must be something more going on.

Moreno, who says he knows Harp well, insists that's unfair ... praising her as a kind person who overcame bone cancer in her 20s.

Of course, the scrutiny kicked into overdrive after personal letters Harp wrote Trump surfaced -- including one saying he was "all that matters to me."

We asked Moreno whether the letters changed his view ... but he says he hasn't read them and doesn't even know whether they're authentic.

Even if they are, Moreno says spending that much time with someone can naturally create a personal bond ... and that doesn't mean there's anything more to it.

Natalie herself was spotted at the inaugural race ... although this time she wasn't seen talking to her boss, instead she was chattering away with his son Eric.