Burnett described one of her most memorable international experiences as a solo trip to Yemen following a shoot in Dubai. Traveling with her own camera, she reported independently for several days, calling the experience “transformative.”

Her commitment to international journalism and public affairs is further underscored by her membership in the Council on Foreign Relations. She was once referred to as an "International Superstar" by MSNBC host Joe Scarborough in recognition of her global reach and reporting gravitas.

Controversies and Public Reactions

In 2009, Burnett faced criticism for referring to Australian aerial camel culling efforts as "serial killing" during a broadcast. She later clarified that the remark was meant as a tongue-in-cheek comment. Around the same time, media outlets speculated that she was dissatisfied with a potential shift in her show’s time slot, though Burnett did not publicly confirm these reports.

Family Life and Personal Balance

In 2012, Erin Burnett married David Rubulotta, a Citigroup managing director and former trader at Lehman Brothers. The couple met on a blind date and were married at City Hall in Manhattan. They have a son, Nyle Thomas Burnett Rubulotta, whom Burnett has described as her greatest personal achievement.

Despite her demanding career, Burnett has spoken about her efforts to maintain balance. She operates on an average of five to six hours of sleep and channels her ambition with focus and intentionality. “I want to jump out of bed as soon as possible because there’s so much I want to accomplish,” she has said. While she admits to having minor pet peeves, Burnett emphasizes cultivating a calm mindset to avoid bringing negativity into her workplace.