And right now there's the Russian invasion and the threat on global oil supplies.

before 9/11,

Doesn't matter. Trump's first official visit was to KSA, he released 5,000 Taliban hostages and planned talks with them during the 9/11 anniversary.

Saudi Oil barely beats out US oil and has only maintained their production and export foothold due to market manipulation an

The US is the largest oil producer on the planet and has been for a while. KSA doesn't beat US production.

simply nothing for politicians to stand on in defending them any more other than military arms exports which ain't

Geopolitics: US hegemony, Israel, securing petroleum and shipping lanes, and yes money.