How do I eliminate Desktop from iCloud?

The iCloud Desktop option is combined with Documents. To turn off Desktop you would also have to turn off Documents. If you want to do that, see the following instructions from Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Turn off Desktop and Documents

1. From your Mac, choose Apple menu  > System Settings. In macOS Monterey or earlier, choose Apple menu  > System Preferences. 
2. Click Apple ID, then click iCloud.
3. Next to iCloud Drive, click Options.
4. Deselect Desktop & Documents Folders.
5. Click Done.

What happens when you turn off Desktop and Documents

When you turn off Desktop & Documents Folders, your files stay in iCloud Drive and a new Desktop and Documents folder is created on your Mac in the home folder. You can move files from iCloud Drive to your Mac as you need them, or select all of your files and drag them to the place you want to keep them.