Introduction: General Motors (GM) has been a staple in the American automotive industry for over a century. Its history is intertwined with the country's economic growth and innovation. One question that often arises among investors and historians alike is whether the US government still owns GM stock. This article delves into the current status of this question and explores the history behind it.

Background: After the financial crisis of 2008, the US government stepped in to prevent the collapse of several major American car manufacturers, including GM. As part of the bailout, the government acquired a significant stake in the company. However, many have been wondering if this stake has been completely liquidated or if it still exists today.

The Bailout: In 2008, the US government injected $49.5 billion into GM to keep the company afloat. In exchange, the government received a 60.8% stake in the automaker. This investment helped GM avoid bankruptcy and paved the way for its eventual turnaround.

The Initial Public Offering (IPO): In 2010, GM successfully completed an initial public offering, selling 31% of its shares to the public. The government's stake in the company was reduced to 26.5%. However, it was still the largest shareholder at the time.

The Remaining Stake: After the IPO, the government's stake in GM continued to decline. In 2013, the Treasury Department announced that it would sell its remaining shares in GM by the end of 2014. However, the sale process was delayed several times.

In 2017, the Treasury Department sold its last shares of GM, marking the complete liquidation of the government's stake. At that point, the government had recovered 45.2 billion from its initial 49.5 billion investment, leaving a profit of $4.3 billion.

Impact of the Bailout: The government's involvement in GM's rescue was a controversial topic. Critics argued that the bailout was an unfair subsidy to an industry that had long been plagued by inefficiencies. However, proponents contended that the investment was necessary to save thousands of jobs and prevent further economic damage.

The automaker's turnaround since the bailout has been remarkable. GM has seen increased sales, improved financial performance, and has invested heavily in new technologies and products.

Conclusion:

As of 2017, the US government no longer owns GM stock. The sale of the remaining shares marked the end of the government's involvement in the company. The bailout of GM was a complex and polarizing issue, but its outcome has helped to revitalize the American automotive industry. Whether or not the government should have intervened remains a topic of debate among experts and the general public.