Bill Gates supports Trump... wants schools reopened

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Bill Gates has sided with President Donald Trump in arguing for the reopening of schools in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, saying the 'benefits outweigh the costs for younger students.'

The Microsoft founder, 64, rallied for schools to open in an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box.

'I’m a big believer that for young children, the benefits in almost every location -- particularly if you can protect the teachers well -- the benefits outweigh the costs,' he said.

However, he said there’s a less pressing need for older students to return to in-person schooling.

'As you get up to age, like, 13 and higher, then you’ll have to look at your locale to decide what you’ll do with high schools. And if they’re not in, then you have to put massive effort into trying to get there to be continued learning online,' he said.

School districts across the country are debating whether to open schools or delaying the school year, but there are concerns over the safety of teachers and students and fears over a second wave of the virus.

To date there are over 4.3million infections of the virus and over 148,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US.

Trump has repeatedly pushed for schools to reopen. On July 6 he tweeted in all caps: 'Schools must open in the fall!!!'

However, his position isn’t shared with Democrats.