It might disappear with a gray caulk instead.

Clear would be fine.

I like the white with the stainless.

Is this normal to have caulking right at the top?

Keeps grease from accumulating back in a difficult to clean recess. Hopefully the caulk extends the full depth of the joint (or the two pieces of metal are otherwise isolated from one another) so vibration from the range hood doesn't cause a rattling noise.

Find out exactly what caulk was used. (To determine if it is a paintable caulk; silicone caulk, as a rule, is not paintable.)

Looks to me like white silicone caulk was used. Maybe there is some good way to remove it without risking marring the stainless but I don't know what it is.

IOW's this is most probably a learn to live with it situation. Good news is that in a couple of weeks you probably won't even notice it anymore.

FWIW, I don't think it looks bad but a gray caulk would probably have been a better choice.

It might dry clear.

I think it looks fine, and the caulking was done very cleanly. I also think you may end up with visible scratches if you have it removed and replaced, especially with clear. I could live with it, since it doesn't look wrong, and I suspect that in a few weeks you won't even notice it anymore.