The close associates would never approve it without full kowledge that the president had indicated he approved.
The only way I could possibly agree with such action if the BTAF agents knew in advance with proof positive that those buying the firearms were known convicted felons (whose statutes of limitations haven't run out), known gang members, especially MS-13, Russian, and Asian, and / or suspected foreign terrorists, or an illegal alien. Otherwise the BATFE agents need to be working the beat along our southern border towns and the border.
ATFE is different than almost any other Fed. agency, as they get away with putting the entire burden of proving innocence on the accused, with no real need for ATFE actually prove guilt.
ATFE integrity ranges from great to criminal sedition, depending on the outlook of the regional management.
When kittens are stomped, citizens intimidated, and gun owners rights routinely violated, you can count on a management team with an agenda of destroying our RKBA. Sometimes this is done by "rogue" agents under the impression that it is the fast track to promotion.
In most of these cases you can expect to find a Klinton hold-over in a position of some power.
It is good to remember that the real reason for the assault at WACO was to divert attention from ATF's many internal problems at the time.
They included lawsuits relating to sexual and racial discrimination.
OOP's! Looks like the same type of lawsuits may result here as well!