The program premiered nationally on January 18, 2021, and utilizes the journalistic resources of Sinclair's news operations throughout the United States, as well as original content.

The morning block also served as the replacement for Sinclair's attempt at non-educational children's programming, KidsClick, which had ended two years before.

[5] Another LMA sister station, Fox affiliate WWCP-TV in Johnstown, will air The National Desk during WATM-TV's network commitments with ABC.

On April 3, 2023, The National Desk began airing on WPMI in Mobile, Alabama, WEYI in Flint, Michigan, WACH in Columbia, South Carolina and WGXA in Macon, Georgia (some local newscasts were retained on all of the above stations).

On May 15 of that year, The National Desk was added on WNWO in Toledo, Ohio, KTVL in Medford, Oregon, KPTH in Sioux City, Iowa, WGFL/WNBW-DT in Gainesville, Florida and KPTM in Omaha, Nebraska, as those news operations were shuttered.

[9][10] The program has been accused by Media Matters for America of airing COVID-19 misinformation,[11] inviting commentators from "anti-immigrant" organization FAIR,[12] repeatedly airing a National Taxpayers Union falsehood regarding the cost of the INVEST in America Act,[13] promoting efforts to counter inclusion of critical race theory in public schools,[14] and concealing interviewees' support of Republican efforts to restrict voting while discussing election security.

[9] Common segments on The National News Desk include Fact Check Team, which fact checks issues currently in political discourse (originally called the "truth squad team");[18][8] Spotlight on America, with reporting from Sinclair's investigative team on important issues impacting Americans;[19] Pulse of America, featuring local reports from Sinclair stations across the country;[8] Live Desk, an anchor who presents breaking news and developing stories;[20] and a weather segment at the end of each half hour for the morning program, and at the end of each hour on the evening edition, featuring reports from Sinclair meteorologists reporting on their local region, in a cycle around the United States.