"I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation," said the former Microsoft CEO, who reportedly donated $50 million to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign

I felt like he was energized and looking forward to helping to drive innovation. I was frankly impressed with how well he showed a lot of interest in the issues I brought up.”

The 69-year-old revealed he had a dinner with the incoming president, a meetup that left the billionaire very 'impressed' when it was over.

The Wall Street Journal released a preview of a sitdown with Gates and teased the rest of the interview would be released next week after Trump's inauguration.

Sir Keir has criticised Mr Trump in the past and has spoken of his beliefs as “repugnant”, however there does not appear to be any evidence that he has directly used the term racist to describe the president-elect. In January 2016 Sir Keir said Mr Trump had made “offensive remarks about Muslims, women and migrants”.

Inauguration Day will feature a number of high-profile attendees, and there are some notable names on -- and off-- the guest list.

Bill Gates praised Donald Trump for his interest in global health and innovation during a private three-hour dinner.