Trump praises Turnbull at White House

The leaders held a press conference at the White House, with President Donald Trump praising Australia's immigration system.

Donald Trump has heaped praise on Australia and Malcolm Turnbull at a White House press conference. (AAP)

President Donald Trump has heaped praise on Australia and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at a press conference at the White House.

Mr Trump said he hopes to follow Australia with its tough "merit-based" immigration policies and announced the US would name a new combat ship the USS Canberra.

"We will hopefully follow in your footsteps," Trump, talking about immigration policies, said.