Declaring that his red "Make America Great Again" hat makes him "feel like Superman," rapper Kanye West has made a free-styling appearance in the Oval Office.

Key points: West said Mr Trump is "on his hero's journey right now"

West said Mr Trump is "on his hero's journey right now" He encouraged Mr Trump to switch Air Force One for a hydrogen-powered plane

He encouraged Mr Trump to switch Air Force One for a hydrogen-powered plane Mr Trump described West as a "smart cookie"

Ahead of a private lunch with US President Donald Trump, the two men spoke with reporters as they sat across from each other at the Resolute desk — which West periodically banged his fist on as he made his points.

West dominated the conversation with a series of monologues that touched on social policy, mental health, endorsement deals and his support for the President.

"Trump is on his hero's journey right now," West said.

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West said many people believe that, if you're black, you have to be a Democrat and said he was pressured not to wear his red hat.

But he said, "this hat, it gives me power".

West credited Mr Trump with preventing a war with North Korea and encouraged him to swap his usual Air Force One for a hydrogen-powered plane.

West showed Mr Trump a photo of a hydrogen plane and urged him to replace Air Force One. ( AP: Evan Vucci )

West also argued that Mr Trump deserved more respect, saying: "If he don't look good, we don't look good."

"He has to be the freshest, the flyest, the flyest planes, the best factories, and we have to make our core be in power," he said, banging his fist down on the Oval Office desk.

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During one pause in West's comments, Mr Trump said: "I tell you what, that was pretty impressive … that was quite something."

He also described West as a "smart cookie."

The rapper also spoke against stop-and-frisk policing policies, which Mr Trump recently expressed support for. The US leader said he was open to other ideas.

Before they adjourned for a roasted chicken lunch, West stood up, walked over to Mr Trump and gave him a bear hug.

"I love this guy right here. Let me give this guy a hug," he said.

Mr Trump said: "That's really nice. That's from the heart."

Mr Trump recently tweeted praise for West, who closed a Saturday Night Live show wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat and delivering an unscripted pro-Trump message after the credits rolled.

West is married to reality television star Kim Kardashian West, who pushed Mr Trump to grant a pardon for a drug offender this year.

Kim Kardashian West met Donald Trump in June. ( Twitter: Donald Trump )

AP/Reuters